THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 95(1) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee [Opinion of 24 March 2009 (not yet published in the Official Journal).],

Having regard to the opinion of the European Central Bank [OJ C 21, 28.1.2009, p. 1.],

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty [Opinion of the European Parliament of 24 April 2009 (not yet published in the Official Journal) and Council Decision of 27 July 2009.],

Whereas:

(1) For the proper functioning of the internal market and in order to facilitate cross-border trade within the Community it is essential that the charges for cross-border payments in euro are the same as for corresponding payments within a Member State. That principle of equality of charges is established by Regulation (EC) No 2560/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 2001 on cross-border payments in euro [OJ L 344, 28.12.2001, p. 13.], which applies to cross-border payments in euro and in Swedish kronor up to EUR 50 000, or equivalent.