Verbatim report of proceedings

Wednesday, 23 October 2013 - Strasbourg

11.7. Drug precursors (A7-0153/2013 - Anna Hedh) (vote)

- À l'issue du vote:

  Janez Potočnik, Member of the Commission. − Madam President, the Commission would like to thank the rapporteur Ms Hedh for her work and efforts in processing this proposal. In the spirit of compromise and with a view to reaching a first reading agreement, the Commission will not stand in the way of an agreement between institutions and therefore welcomes this compromise package and looks forward to its rapid adoption.

However, the Commission does have concerns over the clearer commitment to reduce fees for SMEs and in particular for microenterprises, and has sent a statement to this effect to Parliament’s services for the record of the plenary sitting.

Commission’s position on amendments by Parliament

Report: Anna Hedh (A7-0153/2013)

The Commission regrets that the Council did not accept a clearer commitment to reduce fees for SMEs and in particular for micro-enterprises, in line with the objectives of the EU policy for SMEs. However, in a spirit of compromise and in order to conclude the adoption of the amendment, the Commission can agree to the proposed compromise calling on Member States to consider modulating the fees they impose according to company size.