Following an appeal from Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert (VVD, Netherlands) to Vice-President Jacques Barrot to rethink the Commission proposal on imposing new security requirements across Europe´s transport supply chain, the Commission has confirmed his intention now to freeze it and reevaluate the need for it in light of the recently revised Customs Code introducing the concept of Authorised Economic Operator.

Two weeks ago Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert (VVD, Netherlands) rapporteur on Parliament's transport committee, had written a letter to Commissioner Barrot requesting the withdrawal and reconsideration of the proposal aiming to provide greater protection to all European freight transport against possible terrorist attacks. The Dutch Liberal rapporteur is satisfied that Commissioner Barrot agreed with her suggestions:

The recently revised Customs Code offers a better alternative for internal market application. The implementation of the revised Customs Code will take place in 2007   

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert

"The recently revised Customs Code offers a better alternative for internal market application. The implementation of the revised Customs Code will take place in 2007.  I am convinced that it offers us sufficient tools to protect the intra-EU transport supply chain against terrorist attacks. We will decide on further action in the beginning of 2008."

"In the new era of better legislation, we must carefully consider the impact of new legislative proposals on the business sectors and other economic operators concerned to ensure that the costs do not outweigh the benefits - particularly if other adequate Community instruments are developed in parallel."

"I appreciate the cooperative attitude of the Commissioner. In the end of the day, we both want to realise a common and effective framework without endangering the functioning of the internal market.", concluded Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert.