(Codecision procedure: second reading)

The European Parliament,

–   having regard to the Council common position (15172/1/2003 – C5-0020/2004)(1) ,

–   having regard to its position at first reading(2) on the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2003) 242)(3) ,

–   having regard to Article 251(2) of the EC Treaty,

–   having regard to Rule 78 of its Rules of Procedure,

–   having regard to the recommendation for second reading of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (A5-0039/2004),

1.  Approves the common position;

2.  Notes that the act is adopted in accordance with the common position;

3.  Instructs its President to sign the act with the President of the Council pursuant to Article 254(1) of the EC Treaty;

4.  Instructs its Secretary-General duly to sign the act and, in agreement with the Secretary-General of the Council, to have it published in the Official Journal of the European Union;

5.  Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission.

(1) Not yet published in OJ. (2) Texts adopted, 21.10.2003, P5_TA(2003)0436. (3) Not yet published in OJ.