European Environment Agency, European information and observation (amend. Regulation (EEC) No 1210/90)

At second reading under cooperation procedure without debate, the European Parliament approved the decision on common position (EC) N° 58/98 adopted by the Council with a view to adopting a Council Regulation (EC) amending Regulation 1210/90/EEC on the establishment of the European Environment Agency and the European Information and Observation Network. This recommendation, by Kenneth D. Collins (PSE,UK) amends the Common Position in the following areas: - specifying that advice to the Member States on the development, establishment and expansion of their systems for the monitoring of environmental measures can be required by a Member State, the Commission or other EU institutions or be provided by the Agency on its own initiative; - requiring that the proposed reference centre of information on the environment include a data register containing information related to legislative and other measures taken by the European Community and Member States for environmental protection and that the Commission use this information to ensure compliance with Community environment legislation; - providing that the reference centre should be used to ensure freedom of access to validated information on the environment, in accordance with Council Directive 90/313/EEC on the freedom of access to information on the environment; - making it a requirement that the Agency cooperate in the exchange of information with other bodies and requiring that it should also assist them; - providing that membership of the bureau shall include a representative appointed by the European Parliament and one appointed by the Commission; - requiring the Council, not later than 31/12/2003, based on a Commission report containing a cost effectiveness evaluation on centralised and decentralised actions, to review the Agency's progress; - requiring the Agency to conduct an evaluation of its performance and efficiency before 15/9/99 and submit a report to the management board, the Commission and the European Parliament.�