In our Explanatory Memorandum submitted on 26 August 2003, the Government advised you that we support the strategic goals as set out in the Commission Communication on a simple and paperless environment for customs and trade. The Italian Presidency has now drafted a Council Resolution, taking into account the comments put forward by Member States. The Presidency will submit the Resolution to a Competitiveness Council meeting for adoption on 26/27 November. Briefly the Resolution is addressed to both Member States and the Commission. The Resolution calls for Member States to:

—  bring about improved co-operation based principally on electronic data exchange between the customs authorities and also between customs authorities and traders;

—  work with the Commission to introduce certification and acceptance of electronic signatures irrespective of the Member State in which the trader is established;

—  adapt national legislation, where necessary, so that sanctions in the customs area support the new legislative framework, ensuring that they are effective, proportionate and dissuasive.

  The Resolution calls for the Commission to:

—  draw up a multi-annual strategic plan aimed at creating an electronic environment for the EU in the field of customs and indirect taxation;

—  draw up annual action plans, which evaluate the feasibility of the projects involved in the multi-annual strategic plan and monitor the implementation of these projects;

—  provide, as far as possible, its financial, technical and logistical support for implementation of these objectives.

  The Resolution is in essence a high-level endorsement of the aims of the Communication and goes no further, not does it differ in substance. The Government, therefore, is able to support the Resolution.

20 November 2003