A3-0329/94

Resolution on the harmonization of certain sectors of the private law of the Member States

The European Parliament,

-having regard to Rule 148 of its Rules of Procedure,

-having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs and Citizens' Rights of 27 April 1994 (A3-0329/94),

A.whereas the Community has already harmonized several areas of private law,

B.whereas Parliament, in its resolution of 26 May 1989 on action to bring into line the private law of the Member States, asked that a start be made on the necessary preparatory work for the drawing up of a Common European Code of Private Law,

C.whereas the Commission has not yet undertaken this preparatory work,

D.whereas progressive harmonization of certain sectors of private law is essential to the completion of the internal market,

1.Calls on the Commission for work to be commenced on the possibility of drawing up a Common European Code of Private Law;

2.Calls for the setting up of a committee of experts to propose priorities for partial harmonization in the short term and more general harmonization in the long term;

3.Considers that the Union could promote harmonization and standardization at world or European level within organizations such as UNIDROIT, UNCITRAL and the Council of Europe;

4.Considers that support should continue to be given to the Commission on European Contract Law, better known as the Lando Commission, in its work on harmonization of contract law;

5.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments of the Member States.