With regard to the scope of the directive (exemptions, definitions and editorial amendments), the
Commission considered that a common point of view would soon be reached.
As far as small shops were concerned, the Commission was closer to the position of the
European Parliament, i.e. permanent monitoring and financial support, together with a generous
period of adaptation, than that of the Council, which recommends the possibility of exemption
for the Member States. The Council and the European Parliament therefore continue to take a
different approach.�