19.7.2000 Official Journal of the European Communities L 180/39 COUNCIL DECISION of 17 July 2000 authorising Italy to apply reductions in excise duties on certain mineral oils used for specific purposes, in accordance with the procedure provided for in Article 8(4) of Directive 92/81/EEC (2000/446/EC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, (6)  The Council will examine this Decision on the basis of a Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to Council Directive 92/81/EEC of 19 October 1992 on the harmonisation of the structures of excise duties on mineral oils (!), and in particular Article 8(4) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Whereas: (1) Under Article 8(4) of Directive 92/81/EEC, the Council, acting unanimously on a proposal from the Commis- sion, may authorise any Member State to introduce exemptions from, or reductions in, excise duties on mineral oils on grounds of specific policy considera- tions. (2)  The Italian authorities have notified the Commission that they wish to apply a reduced rate for automotive diesel fuel for commercial vehicles from 1 January 1999. (3)  The other Member States have been informed thereof. (4)  The Commission regularly reviews reductions and exemptions to check that they are compatible with the operation of the internal market or with Community environmental protection policy. (5)  The authorisation granted by this Decision is without prejudice to the application of the rules on state aid. proposal from the Commission no later than 31 December 2000, when the authorisation granted by this Decision expires, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 In accordance with Article 8(4) of Directive 92/81/EEC Italy is hereby authorised to apply a reduced rate of excise duty on automotive diesel fuel used by road hauliers from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 2000 provided the rate applied complies with the obligations laid down in Council Directive 92/82[EEC of 19 October 1992 on the approximation of the rates of excise duties on mineral oils (3, and in particular the minimum rates laid down in Article 5 thereof. Article 2 This Decision is addressed to the Italian Republic. Done at Brussels, 17 July 2000. For the Council The President L. FABIUS () OJ L 316, 31.10.1992, p. 12. Directive as last amended by Direc- tive 94/74/EC (O] L 365, 31.12.1994, p. 46). (® OJ L 316, 31.10.1992, p. 19. Directive as last amended by Direc- tive 94/74/EC (O] L 365, 31.12.1994, p. 46).