27.7.2016   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 274/31

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having regard to the Commission proposal for a Council directive implementing the European Agreement concluded by the European Barge Union (EBU), the European Skippers Organisation (ESO) and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time in inland waterway transport (COM(2014)0452),

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having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 155(2) thereof,

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having regard to the Agreement concluded between the European Barge Union (EBU), the European Skippers Organisation (ESO) and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time in inland waterway transport,

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having regard to the fact that the Agreement included a joint request for the Commission to implement it by a Council decision on a proposal from the Commission, in accordance with Article 155(2) TFEU,

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having regard to Rule 101(3) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.

whereas Article 155(1) TFEU gives the social partners at EU level the possibility, should they so desire, to enter into a dialogue which may lead to contractual relations, including agreements;

B.

whereas Article 155(2) TFEU provides for the possibility of implementing agreements concluded at EU level, at the joint request of the signatory parties, by a Council decision on a proposal from the Commission;

1.

Welcomes the fact that, although Article 155(2) TFEU does not provide for Parliament to be consulted in relation to requests made to the Commission by the social partners, the Commission has forwarded its proposal to Parliament and has asked it to communicate its opinion to the Commission and the Council;

2.

Welcomes the fact that the Agreement as concluded by the social partners and the Commission proposal provide only for minimum requirements, leaving the Member States and/or social partners free to adopt measures which are more favourable to workers in the area concerned;

3.

Recommends the adoption of the Council directive;

4.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the social partners.