Activities of Marco AFFRONTE related to 2018/0332(COD)
Shadow opinions (1)
OPINION on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council discontinuing seasonal changes of time and repealing Directive 2000/84/EC
Amendments (9)
Amendment 19 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) The Commission has examined available evidence, which points to the importance of having harmonised Union rules in this area to ensure the proper functioning of the internal market and avoid, inter alia, disruptions to the scheduling of transport operations and the functioning of information and communication systems, higher costs to cross-border trade, or lower productivity for goods and services. Evidence in those areas is not conclusive as to whether the benefits of summer-time arrangements outweigh the inconveniences linked to a biannual change of time.
Amendment 20 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) However, there is clear evidence about the adverse impact on human health due to the change of the biorhythm as a result of seasonal changes of time. Therefore, it is appropriate to put an end to seasonal changes of time.
Amendment 29 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) Territories other than overseas territories of the Member States are grouped over three different time zones or standard times, i.e. GMT, GMT +1 and GMT +2. The large north-south extension of the European Union means that daylight effects of time vary across the Union. It is therefore important that Member States take into consideration the geographical aspects of time, i.e. natural time zones and geographical position, before changing their time zones. Member States should consult citizens and relevant stakeholders before deciding to change their time zones.
Amendment 35 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) This Directive should not prejudice the right of each Member State to decide on the standard time or times for the territories under its jurisdiction and falling under the territorial scope of the Treaties, and on further changes thereto. However, in order to ensure that the application of summer-time arrangements by some Member States only does noavoid any significant disruptions of the functioning of the internal market, Member States should refrain from changing the standard time in any given territory under their jurisdiction for reasons related to seasonal changes, be such change presented as a change of time zone. Moreover, in order to minimise disruptions, inter alia, to transport, communications and other concerned sectors, they should notify the Commission in due time of theirMember States that intentiond to change their standard time and subsequently apply the notified changes. The Commission should, on the basis of that notification, inform all other Member States so that they can take all necessary measures. Itshould notify the Commission in due time of their intention to allow for coordination. The Commission should also inform the general public and stakeholders by publishing this information. It should also assess the impact on the functioning of the internal market of the envisaged changes of standard time.
Amendment 41 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
(5a) For the purpose of ensuring a harmonised implementation of this Directive, Member States should coordinate in advance their decision on the envisaged standard times via the establishment of a coordination mechanism in order to avoid that Member States opt for different standard times within a time zone. The coordination mechanism should consist of one designated representative of each Member State and one representative of the Commission. The Commission should facilitate the coordination and should provide assessment on the effects that the notified decision would have on the proper functioning of the internal market. The decision to apply or not the envisaged time change remains within the competence of the Member States after having consulted with the Commission and other Member States.
Amendment 61 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 2
Article 1 – paragraph 2
2. Notwithstanding paragraph 1, Member States may still apply a seasonal change of their standard time or times in 201920, provided that they do so at 1.00 a.m., Coordinated Universal Time, on 275 October 201920. The Member States shall notify this decision in accordance with Article 2. (This amendment applies throughout the text.)
Amendment 64 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
1. Without prejudice to Article 1, if a Member State decideintends to change its standard time or times in any territory under its jurisdiction, it shall notify the Commission at least 6 months before the change takes effectnd the other Member States of its intention at the latest on 27 March 2020. Where a Member State has made such a notification and has not withdrawn it at least 6 months before the date of the envisaged changeby 24 July 2020, the Member State shall apply this change.
Amendment 68 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 2
Article 2 – paragraph 2
2. Within 1 month of the notification, the Commission shall inform the other Member States thereof and publish that informationNot later than 10 April 2020, the Commission shall publish all notifications that it has received in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Amendment 70 #
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 a (new)
Article 2 a (new)
Article 2a 1. This Directive sets up a coordination mechanism with the aim to ensure a harmonised approach to time arrangements throughout the Union and to strengthen the cooperation between the Member States and the Commission in assessing the impact on the functioning of the internal market of any decision to change standard time or times. 2. The coordination mechanism referred to in paragraph 1 shall consist of one representative for each Member State and one representative of the Commission. 3. The coordination mechanism shall be convened by the Commission no later than 24 April 2020 in case any notification is received pursuant to Article 1(2). 4. The coordination mechanism shall assess the potential impact of the envisaged change on the functioning of the internal market. 5. Where on the basis of the assessment referred to in paragraph 4, the Commission considers that the envisaged change will significantly affect the proper functioning of the internal market, it shall inform the notifying Member State thereof. 6. No later than 26 June 2020, the notifying Member State referred to in paragraph 5 shall decide whether to maintain its intention or not. Where the notifying Member State decides to maintain its intention, it shall provide a detailed explanation how it will counter the negative impact of the change on the functioning of the internal market.