The Council of the European Union,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 308 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission [OJ C 263, 16.10.1989, p. 41 and OJ C 176, 8.7.1991, p. 1.],
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament [Opinion of 4 September 2001 (not yet published in the Official Journal).],
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee [OJ C 124, 21.5.1990, p. 34.],
Whereas:
(1) The completion of the internal market and the improvement it brings about in the economic and social situation throughout the Community mean not only that barriers to trade must be removed, but also that the structures of production must be adapted to the Community dimension. For that purpose it is essential that companies the business of which is not limited to satisfying purely local needs should be able to plan and carry out the reorganisation of their business on a Community scale.
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