(Ordinary legislative procedure: second reading)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the Council position at first reading (17279/3/2009 – C7-0075/2010),

–  having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2008)0636),

–  having regard to Article 251(2) and Article 141(3) of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C6-0341/2008),

–  having regard to its position at first reading(1),

–  having regard to the Commission Communication to the Parliament and the Council entitled ‘Consequences of the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon for ongoing interinstitutional decision-making procedures’ (COM(2009)0665),

–  having regard to Article 294(7) and Article 157(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

–  having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee(2),

–  having regard to Rule 66 of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the recommendation for second reading of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (A7-0146/2010),

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

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

(1) Texts adopted, 6.5.2009, P6_TA(2009)0364. (2) OJ C 228, 22.9.2009, p. 107.

(As an agreement was reached between Parliament and Council, Parliament's position corresponds to the final legislative act, Directive 2010/41/EU.)