Introductory text

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 71(1) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee^f1,

Having consulted the Committee of Regions,

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty^f2,

Whereas:

The Council Decision of 21 March 1962 instituting a procedure for prior examination and consultation in respect of certain laws, regulations and administrative provisions concerning transport proposed in Member States^f3 has been substantially amended^f4. In the interests of clarity and rationality the said Decision should be codified.

The attainment of the objectives of the Treaty within the framework of a common transport policy requires that a procedure for prior examination and consultation be maintained in respect of certain measures concerning transport proposed in Member States.

Such a procedure will help to promote close cooperation between Member States and the Commission in the attainment of the objectives of the Treaty and will help to prevent the transport policies of Member States from diverging.

Such a procedure also serves to facilitate the progressive implementation of the common transport policy,

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION: