The procedure should normally take place during a period not exceeding three months, unless the act in question has to be adopted before a specific date or if the matter is urgent, in which case the Council may fix an appropriate time limit.

7.

When the positions of the two institutions are sufficiently close, the European Parliament may give a new opinion, after which the Council shall take definitive action.

For the Parliament
C. BERKHOUWER

For the Council
G. FITZGERALD

For the Commission Francois-Xavier
ORTOLI