31.12.92 Official Journal of the European Communities No L 394/1 (Acts whose publication is obligatory) COUNCIL REGULATION (EEC) No 3904/92 of 17 December 1992 on measures to adapt the profession of customs agent to the internal market THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in pamcular Article 235 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1), Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (2), Having regard to the opinion of the Economlc and Social Committee (3), Whereas the construction of the internal market is a fundamental objective of a decisively positive nature for the development of the Community; Whereas a certain number of areas will face severe difficulties as they depend heavily on customs activity; Whereas the abolition of customs formalities on 1 January 1993 will have considerable repercussions on economic activity at the Community’s internal borders; Whereas the work of customs agents and their equivalents derives primarily from customs controls and customs formalities; Whereas the abolition of customs formalities at the Community’s internal borders will abruptly end the intra-Community activities of this profession; (1) OJ No C 220, 27. 8. 1992, p. 4. (3) OJ No C 337, 21. 12. 1992. (3) Opinion delivered on 25 November 1992 (not yet published in the Official Journal). Whereas this profession must completely rethink its future beyond 1 January 1993; whereas this will have major repercussions both for employees in the sector and for the enterprises and areas whose economic structure is geared primarily to cross-border activities; Whereas small and medium-sized enterprises in particular need help in adapting to the abolition of customs formalities at Community internal borders;. Whereas, given the circumstances and in the light of the Birmingham European Council declaration of 16 October’ 1992, supplementary Community measures can usefully contribute to the work undertaken by Member States; Whereas such measures could also encourage the Member States and regions concerned to draw up proposals and release the necessary resources for the purpose of dealing with the economic problems of the border areas in question; Whe.reas the Community feels that urgent back-up " measures to help customs agents are called for; Whereas these measures will be related in particular to Community action under the Structural Funds; Whereas it is necessary to supplement the action supported by the Structural Funds with operations not financed under these Funds, so as to have available a complete set of measures to assist in the restructuring and dwersnflcatlon of the servnces provided by this profession; Whereas these specific and exceptional measures, designed to supplement Structural Fund activities, should be limited in time;