THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular the first and third sentences of Article 47(2) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission [OJ C 116 E, 26.4.2000, p. 61],

Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee [OJ C 168, 16.6.2000, p. 1],

Acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 251 of the Treaty [Opinion of the European Parliament of 14 June 2000 (not yet published in the Official Journal) and Council Decision of 29 June 2000],

Whereas:

(1) Council Directives 85/611/EEC [OJ L 375, 31.12.1985, p. 3. Directive as last amended by European Parliament and Council Directive 95/26/EC (OJ L 168, 18.7.1995, p. 7)], 92/49/EEC [OJ L 228, 11.8.1992, p. 1. Directive as last amended by Directive 95/26/EC], 92/96/EEC [OJ L 360, 9.12.1992, p. 1. Directive as last amended by Directive 95/26/EC] and 93/22/EEC [OJ L 141, 11.6.1993, p. 27. Directive as last amended by European Parliament and Council Directive 97/9/EC (OJ L 84, 26.3.1997, p. 22)] allow the exchange of information between competent authorities and with certain other authorities or bodies within a Member State or between Member States. The said Directives also allow the conclusion by Member States of cooperation agreements providing for the exchange of information with the competent authorities of third countries.