THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 57(2) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission [OJ No C 245, 29. 9. 1979, p. 7 and OJ No C 5, 7. 1. 1983, p. 2],
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament [OJ No C 291, 10. 11. 1980, p. 70],
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee [OJ No C 146, 16. 6. 1980, p. 6],
Whereas First Council Directive 73/239/EEC of 24 July 1973 on the coordination of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the taking-up and pursuit of the business of direct insurance other than life assurance [OJ No L 228, 16. 8. 1973, p. 3], as amended by Directive 76/580/EEC [OJ No L 189, 13. 7. 1976, p. 13], eliminated a number of divergencies in the laws of the Member States in order to facilitate the taking-up and pursuit of that business;
Whereas, however, Article 2(2)(d) of the said Directive states tha
…