Brussels, 25 July 2006

47th Council Meeting - Competitiveness (Internal Market, Industry and Research). Brussels, 24 July 2006

Main Results of the Council

The Council reached a political agreement on the 7th research framework programmes: European Community (2007-2013) and Euratom (2007-2011). [See separate item]

The Council adopted, without discussion, a common position on a draft directive on services in the internal market.

The Council adopted a common position on a draft directive on services in the internal market (10003/06 + ADD 1). The common position will be sent to the European Parliament for a second reading opinion under the codecision procedure. The Belgian and Lithuanian delegations abstained.

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The proposal is aimed at improving the basis for economic growth and employment in the EU, achieving a genuine internal market in services by removing legal and administrative barriers to the development of service activities, strengthening the rights of consumers as users of services and establishing legally-binding obligations for effective administrative co-operation between member states.

See details in press release 11688/06 -

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Lifelong learning programme for 2007-13
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"Youth in action" programme for 2007-13
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Renewal of appointment of President of Community Plant Variety Office
The Council, on the basis of a proposal from the Commission, decided to renew for another five years the terms of office of the President of the Community Plant Variety Office, Mr Bart KIEWIET, as of 1 August 2006.

Classification of carcases of adult bovine animals
The Council adopted a regulation (codified version) concerning the Community scale for the classification of carcases of adult bovine animals (8445/06).
The regulation codifies and repeals regulation , substituting the various acts incorporated in it by putting it together with only those amendments required by the codification exercise itself.

News release 11554/06 (Presse 215)