REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 1365/2006 on statistics of goods transport by inland waterways as regards conferring delegated and implementing powers upon the Commission for the adoption of certain measures

23.12.2013 - (COM(2013)0484 – C7‑0205/2013 – 2013/0226(COD)) - ***I

Committee on Transport and Tourism
Rapporteur: Eva Lichtenberger

DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 1365/2006 on statistics of goods transport by inland waterways as regards conferring delegated and implementing powers upon the Commission for the adoption of certain measures

(COM(2013)0484 – C7‑0205/2013 – 2013/0226(COD))

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

–   having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2013)0484),

–   having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 338(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C7‑0205/2013),

–   having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

–   having regard to Rule 55 of its Rules of Procedure,

–   having regard to the report of the Committee on Transport and Tourism (A7-0003/2014),

1.  Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out;

2.  Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend its proposal substantially or replace it with another text;

3.  Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

Amendment  1 Proposal for a regulation Recital 5
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(5) As regards Regulation (EC) No 1365/2006, in order to take account of economic and technical trends, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty should be delegated to the Commission concerning the adaptation of the threshold for statistical coverage of inland waterways transport, adaptation of the definitions and the adoption of additional definitions. In addition, the Commission should be empowered to adopt delegated acts in order to adapt the data collection scope and the content of the Annexes.	(5) As regards Regulation (EC) No 1365/2006, in order to take account of economic and technical trends, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission in respect of the adaptation of the threshold for statistical coverage of inland waterways transport, adaptation of the definitions and the adoption of additional definitions, as well as adaptation of the content of the Annexes.
Amendment  2 Proposal for a regulation Recital 6
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(6) The Commission should ensure that these delegated acts do not impose a significant additional administrative burden on the Member States or on the respondent units.	(6) The Commission should ensure that these delegated acts do not impose a significant additional administrative burden on the Member States or on the respondents.
Justification
Linguistic amendment.
Amendment  3 Proposal for a regulation Recital 8
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(8) In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 1365/2006, implementing powers should be conferred upon the Commission to adopt arrangements for transmitting data including data interchange standards, for the dissemination of results by the Commission (Eurostat) and also to develop and publish methodological requirements and criteria designed to ensure the quality of the data produced. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.	(8) In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 1365/2006, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission to adopt arrangements for transmitting data including data interchange standards, for the dissemination of results by the Commission (Eurostat) and also to develop and publish methodological requirements and criteria designed to ensure the quality of the data produced. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011. The examination procedure should be used for the adoption of those acts, given their general scope.
Amendment  4 Proposal for a regulation Recital 9
Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(9) In accordance with the principle of proportionality, it is necessary and appropriate for the achievement of the basic objective of the alignment of the powers conferred upon the Commission to Articles 290 and 291 of the Treaty to lay down rules on such alignment in the domain of transport statistics. This Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective, in accordance with Article 5(4) of the Treaty on the European Union.	(9) In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union, it is necessary and appropriate for the achievement of the basic objective of the alignment of the powers conferred on the Commission with Articles 290 and 291 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to lay down common rules on such alignment in the domain of transport statistics. This Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective, in accordance with Article 5(4) of the Treaty on European Union.
Amendment  5 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – point 1 a (new) Regulation (EC) No 1365/2006 Article 2 – paragraph 4 – point b
Text proposed by the Commission Amendment   (1a) In Article 2(4), point (b) is deleted;
Justification
Data need to be collected on both goods and passengers.
Amendment  6 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – point 1 b (new) Regulation (EC) No 1365/2006 Article 2 – paragraph 4 – point c
Text proposed by the Commission Amendment   (1b) In Article 2(4), point (c) is deleted;
Justification
Data need to be collected on both goods and passengers.
Amendment  7 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – point 1 Regulation (EC) No 1365/2006 Article 2 – paragraph 5 (new)
Text proposed by the Commission Amendment The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts, in accordance with Article 9, taking account of economic and technical trends, concerning the adaptation of the threshold for statistical coverage of inland waterways transport. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts, where necessary, in accordance with Article 9, taking account of economic and technical trends, concerning the adaptation of the threshold for statistical coverage of inland waterways transport.
Justification
It is important to keep track of economic trends in the sector to ensure consistency in the decisions adopted on legislative matters.
Amendment  8 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – point 2 Regulation (EC) No 1365/2006 Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission Amendment The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 9, taking account of economic and technical trends, concerning the adaptation of the definitions and the adoption of additional definitions. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts, where necessary, in accordance with Article 9, taking account of economic and technical trends, concerning the adaptation of the definitions and the adoption of additional definitions.
Justification
It is important to keep track of economic trends in the sector to ensure consistency in the decisions adopted on legislative matters.
Amendment  9 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – point 3 Regulation (EC) No 1365/2006 Article 4 – paragraph 4 (new)
Text proposed by the Commission Amendment The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 9, taking account of economic and technical trends, concerning the adaptation of the data collection scope and the content of the Annexes. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts, where necessary, in accordance with Article 9, taking account of economic and technical trends, concerning the adaptation of the data collection scope and the content of the Annexes.
Justification
It is important to keep track of economic trends in the sector to ensure consistency in the decisions adopted on legislative matters.
Amendment  10 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – point 6 a (new) Regulation (EC) No 1365/2006 Article 7 – paragraphs 3 a (new) and 3 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission Amendment   (6a) In Article 7, the following paragraphs are added:   '3a. For the purposes of this Regulation, the quality criteria to be applied to the data to be transmitted are those referred to in Article 12(1) of Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council*.   3b. The Commission shall, by means of implementing acts, specify the modalities, structure, periodicity and comparability elements for the quality reports. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred in Article 10(2).   ________________   * Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2009 on European statistics and repealing Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1101/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the transmission of data subject to statistical confidentiality to the Statistical Office of the European Communities, Council Regulation (EC) No 322/97 on Community Statistics, and Council Decision 89/382/EEC, Euratom establishing a Committee on the Statistical Programmes of the European Communities (OJ L 87, 31.3.2009, p.164.)';
Amendment  11 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – point 6 b (new) Regulation (EC) No 1365/2006 Article 8 – paragraph 1 – introductory wording
Present text Amendment   (6b) In Article 8, the introductory wording of paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: By 15 October 2009 and after consulting the Statistical Programme Committee, the Commission shall submit a report to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation of this Regulation. In particular, that report shall: 'By …+ and every three years thereafter, the Commission, after consulting the Statistical Programme Committee, shall submit a report to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation of this Regulation. In particular, that report shall:';   ________________   + OJ: please insert the date: three years after the date of entry into force of this Regulation.
Amendment  12 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – point 7 Regulation (EC) No 1365/2006 Article 9 – title
Text proposed by the Commission Amendment Exercise of delegated powers Exercise of the delegation
Amendment  13 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – point 7 Regulation (EC) No 1365/2006 Article 9 – paragraph 1
Text proposed by the Commission Amendment The power to adopt delegated acts is conferred upon the Commission subject to the conditions laid down in this Article. The power to adopt delegated acts is conferred on the Commission subject to the conditions laid down in this Article.
Justification
Linguistic amendment.
Amendment  14 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – point 7 Regulation (EC) No 1365/2006 Article 9 – paragraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission Amendment The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 2(5), Article 3 and Article 4(4) shall be conferred on the Commission for an indeterminate period of time from (Publication office : please insert the exact date of the entry into force of the amending Regulation). The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 2(5), Article 3 and Article 4(4) shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of five years from (Publication office : please insert the exact date of the entry into force of the amending Regulation). The Commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the five-year period. The delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration unless the European Parliament or the Council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period.
Amendment  15 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – point 8 Regulation (EC) No 1365/2006 Article 10 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission Amendment   2a. Where the committee delivers no opinion, the Commission shall not adopt the draft implementing act and the third subparagraph of Article 5(4) of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply.
Amendment  16 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – point 8 a (new) Regulation (EC) No 1365/2006 Annex B – Table B1
Present text     Table B1. Transport by nationality of the vessel and the type of vessel (annual data) Elements Coding Nomenclature Unit Table 2-Alpha ‘B1’   Reporting country 2-letter NUTS0 (national code)   Year 4-digit ‘yyyy’   Country/region of loading 4-alpha NUTS2 (*)   Country/region of unloading 4-alpha NUTS2 (*)   Type of transport 1-digit 1= national       2 = international (except transit)       3= transit   Type of vessel 1-digit 1= self-propelled barge       2= barge not self-propelled       3= self-propelled tanker barge       4= tanker barge not self-propelled       5= other goods carrying vessel       6= seagoing vessel   Nationality of vessel 2-letter NUTS0 (national code) (**)   Tonnes transported     tonnes Tonnes-km     tonnes-km (*) When the regional code is unknown or not available the following codification will be used: — ‘NUTS0 + ZZ’ when the NUTS code exists for the partner country. — ‘ISO code + ZZ’ when the NUTS code does not exist for the partner country. — ‘ZZZZ’ when the partner country is completely unknown. (**)When a NUTS code does not exist for the country of registration of the vessel, the ISO national code will be reported. In case the nationality of the vessel is unknown, the code to use is ‘ZZ’.   Amendment   (8a) In Annex B, Table B1 is amended as follows: 'Table B1. Passenger and goods transport by nationality of the vessel and the type of vessel (annual data) Elements Coding Nomenclature Unit Table 2-Alpha ‘B1’   Reporting country 2-letter NUTS0 (national code)   Year 4-digit ‘yyyy’   Country/region of loading 4-alpha NUTS2 (*)   Country/region of unloading 4-alpha NUTS2 (*)   Type of transport 1-digit 1= national       2 = international (except transit)       3= transit   Type of vessel 1-digit 1= self-propelled barge       2= barge not self-propelled       3= self-propelled tanker barge       4= tanker barge not self-propelled       5= other goods carrying vessel       6= seagoing vessel       7= cruise vessels transporting more than 100 passengers       8= ferries carrying passengers over more than 300 metres   Nationality of vessel 2-letter NUTS0 (national code) (**)   Tonnes transported     tonnes Tonnes-km     tonnes-km Passengers transported 12-digit   Passenger Passengers-km 12-digit   Passenger Passenger seats available 12-digit   Passenger seat (*) When the regional code is unknown or not available the following codification will be used: — ‘NUTS0 + ZZ’ when the NUTS code exists for the partner country. — ‘ISO code + ZZ’ when the NUTS code does not exist for the partner country. — ‘ZZZZ’ when the partner country is completely unknown. (**)When a NUTS code does not exist for the country of registration of the vessel, the ISO national code will be reported. In case the nationality of the vessel is unknown, the code to use is ‘ZZ’.'
Justification
In order to develop an adequate policy regarding the transport by inland waterways and ensure coherence in the collection of statistical data throughout all the transport modes, data on passengers as well as on goods transported need to be collected.

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Background

Regulation (EC) No 1365/2006, which the Commission proposes to amend, establishes common rules for the production of Community statistics concerning inland waterways transport. Data collected within this framework exclusively focus on transport of goods.

The Commission proposal sets out to align the comitology provisions of Regulation (EC) No 1365/2006 to delegated and implementing acts further to the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty. No other changes have been proposed by the Commission.

Rapporteur’s view

Your Rapporteur welcomes the Commission’s intention to align the existing comitology provisions to delegated and implementing acts. However, she is of the opinion that there is a need to streamline the powers delegated to the Commission to safeguard the Parliament’s prerogatives.

Your Rapporteur is also of the opinion that, with this proposal restricted to an alignment exercise, the Commission misses the opportunity to optimise and reinforce the collection of statistics relating to inland waterways transport.

With the adoption of the NAIADES II programme, the Commission emphasized the need for long-term structural changes in the inland waterway transport sector, to enable this sector to fully contribute to the Europe 2020 strategy. The Commission stressed that the sector’s operating conditions would need to be improved, including infrastructure, environmental performance, markets and innovation, jobs and skills and integration into the logistics chain. In order to achieve these goals, the Commission intends to set out specific actions to implement the programme until 2020.

Your Rapporteur firmly believes that a successful policy to enhance the role of inland navigation within the transport sector should be based on objective, comparable and reliable statistics able to show the results of such policy and the trends towards a well-govern, safe, clean, competitive (including social aspects) and integrated mode of transport. As foreseen currently, statistics related in inland waterways transport would be insufficient to guide and assess the EU policy in this sector.

Your Rapporteur also noted that, in the sector of transport, the Commission seems to have an incoherent approach with regard to the scope of the statistical returns. For example, statistics related to maritime transport[1], air[2] and to rail[3] cover both the transport of goods and of passengers, whereas statistics related to the carriage of goods by road, while focusing on goods only, require information on vehicle-related variables, such as the age of the road transport vehicle. In addition, rail statistics also include accidents. Such valuable information is not collected for inland waterway transport.

Your Rapporteur thinks that inland waterway transport has an important role to play, not only for the transport of goods but also for the transport of passengers, in particular in urban conurbations crossed by rivers. She supports an increased use of inland waterways for the transport of goods and persons as this mode of transport - in particular when innovative vessels powered by alternative sources of energy are used - represent the cleanest mode of transport not hampered by congestion. Your Rapporteur is conscious that vessels used on inland waterways are often old and that additional environmental benefits would be gained if the fleet is renewed or retrofitted. In order to better assess the state of the fleet and the rate of renewal or retrofitting, statistics would be needed. Your Rapporteur believes that the current revision is a good opportunity to collect such data.

Furthermore, inland navigation is sometimes restricted or made difficult due to a lack of adequate infrastructure or financial burden (reduced drought, low bridges, locks, infrastructure charges, etc.). In order to get an accurate picture of the navigability in the Union, data related to waterways infrastructure would be needed.

Your Rapporteur would like to point out that valuable data are also collected through the development of questionnaires managed jointly by Eurostat, the ITF and the UNECE in the Intersecretariat Working Group on Transport Statistics, which is mandated to contribute to the development of a coordinated statistical system for transport. Some of these data are only collected on a voluntary basis. In order to ensure complete data sets and time series, your Rapporteur thinks that the collection of crucial data should be mandatory.

• [1]  Directive 2009/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 May 2009 on statistical returns in respect of carriage of goods and passengers by sea (Recast) – OJ L 141, 6.6.2009, p29
• [2]  Regulation (EC) No 437/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council on statistical returns in respect of the carriage of passengers, freight and mail by air – OJ L 66, 11.3.2003, p.1
• [3]  Regulation (EC) No 91/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2002 on rail transport statistics – OJ L 14, 21.1.2203, p.1

PROCEDURE

Title	Amendment of Regulation (EC) No 1365/2006 on statistics of goods transport by inland waterways as regards conferring of delegated and implementing powers upon the Commission for the adoption of certain measures
References	COM(2013)0484 – C7-0205/2013 – 2013/0226(COD)
Date submitted to Parliament	28.6.2013
Committee responsible        Date announced in plenary	TRAN 4.7.2013
Committee(s) asked for opinion(s)        Date announced in plenary	ECON 4.7.2013
Not delivering opinions        Date of decision	ECON 10.9.2013
Rapporteur(s)        Date appointed	Eva Lichtenberger 10.7.2013
Discussed in committee	14.11.2013	16.12.2013
Date adopted	17.12.2013
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	43 3 0
Members present for the final vote	Magdi Cristiano Allam, Inés Ayala Sender, Georges Bach, Erik Bánki, Izaskun Bilbao Barandica, Antonio Cancian, Michael Cramer, Joseph Cuschieri, Philippe De Backer, Luis de Grandes Pascual, Christine De Veyrac, Saïd El Khadraoui, Ismail Ertug, Carlo Fidanza, Knut Fleckenstein, Jacqueline Foster, Franco Frigo, Mathieu Grosch, Jim Higgins, Juozas Imbrasas, Dieter-Lebrecht Koch, Georgios Koumoutsakos, Werner Kuhn, Jörg Leichtfried, Bogusław Liberadzki, Marian-Jean Marinescu, Gesine Meissner, Mike Nattrass, Hubert Pirker, Dominique Riquet, Petri Sarvamaa, David-Maria Sassoli, Vilja Savisaar-Toomast, Olga Sehnalová, Brian Simpson, Silvia-Adriana Ţicău, Giommaria Uggias, Peter van Dalen, Patricia van der Kammen, Roberts Zīle
Substitute(s) present for the final vote	Jean-Jacob Bicep, Bogdan Kazimierz Marcinkiewicz, Alfreds Rubiks, Sabine Wils, Karim Zéribi
Substitute(s) under Rule 187(2) present for the final vote	Ivo Strejček
Date tabled	6.1.2014