European statistical system: common classification of territorial units for statistics NUTS

The Commission states that the vast majority of the changes introduced in the common position are in the nature of technical clarifications and improvements to the specificity of the text. These do not pose any particular problems for the Commission. The Commission notes that there was, however, much concern in the Council at the possible effects on the National regional structures resulting from the exercise of the Commission's statutory right of initiative. To reassure the Council of the Commission's intentions in this respect the following declaration was included in the Council minutes: "Statement by the Commission re Article 5: In respect of the amendments of the NUTS classification referred to in Article 5, the Commission undertakes to pay particular attention to the views expressed by the Member State directly." The Commission went on to accept the common position unanimously adopted.�