13. 7. 91 Official Journal of the European Communities No L 187/41 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COUNCIL . COUNCIL DECISION of 20 June 1991 on the adoption of a proéramme of Community action on the subject of the vocational training of customs officials (Matthaeus programme) (91/341/EEC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 100a thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission ('), In cooperation with the European Parliament (3), Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (%), - Whereas the establishment of the internal market necessi- tates a new definition of the role of Community customs officials in ensuring the proper functioning of the Customs Union ; Whereas this role will, in future, focus on the uniform application of customs legislation at the Community’s external borders, which is a prerequisite for the execution of the various Community policies governing foreign trade ; Whereas it must.be ensured that the abolition of internal borders does not give rise to distortions in competition, deflection of trade or increased risk of fraud ; whereas it is () O)J No C 13, 19. 1. 1991, p. 12 () OJ No C 106, 22. 4. 1991, p. 90 and Decision of June 1991 (not yet published in the Official Journal). () OJ No C 102, 18. 4. 1991, p. 5. consequently necessary to stimulate intensive and ongoing cooperation at all administrative levels in the customs services with a view to preparing them for working together within the framework of the internal market ; Whereas what is involved is an improvement in the effec- tiveness of the Customs Union as provided for in Article 9 of the Treaty; Whereas this improvement will be achieved through opti- mizing the use of human resources in the Member States and therefore through suitable vocational training; Whereas the measures taken in this sphere by each of the national administrations are not sufficient to achieve the objective pursued ; whereas it is consequently essential to reinforce national efforts through joint action to increase the awareness of customs officials of the increasingly Community dimension of their task and of the need to work together closely ; Whereas a greater awareness of the principles and proce- dures to be applied in Member States can only increase the degree of harmonization of customs practice within the Community and help to create the necessary climate of mutual confidence ; Whereas the implementation of a large-scale programme of training for customs officials (Matthaeus programme) constitutes one of the most appropriate ways to achieve this result ;