Frans Timmermans, the first Vice-President of the European Commission, today signalled that the EU body will accept a deal worked out between representatives of the Council and the EU Parliament on a Plastic Bags Directive if the Council's Committee of Permanent Representatives votes in favour of the legislation when they meet on Friday. Speaking at a Wednesday press briefing, Mr Timmermans said the Commission will not interfere with the adoption of the agreement – even if support for the Directive in the Council is not unanimous.
MEPs from the Parliament's delegation to the "trilogue" talks announced earlier this week that an agreement in principle had been reached, subject to approval by the Council, but there were concerns raised that the Commission might block the legislative proposal as part of its plans to focus its work programme and legislative initiatives more tightly on the economy.
