~ Official Journal of the European Communities No L 217/1 11. 8. 90 (Acts whose publication is obligatory) COUNCIL REGULATION (EEC) No 2342/90 of 24 July 1990 on fares for scheduled air services- THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty -establishing the European Economic Community,.and in particular Article 84 (2) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1), Having regard to the opinion of the Parliament (2), European Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee {3), Whereas it is important to adopt measures with the aim of progressively establishing the internal market over a period expiring on 31 December 1992 as provided for in Article 8a of the Treaty; whereas the internal market shall comprise an area without internal frontiers in which the free movement of goods, persons, services and capital is ensured; Whereas Council Directive 87/601/EEC of 14 December 1987 on fares for scheduled air services between Member States (*) mad¢ a first step towards the liberalization in- - respect of air fares, necessary to achieve the internal market in air transport; whereas the Council agreed to take further measures of liberalization; Whereas it is appropriate to establish clear criteria according to which the Member States’ authorities have to evaluate proposed air fares; Whereas a system of double disapproval of air fares remains an objective to be achieved by 1 January 1993 whereas an important element in achieving further liberalization consists in gaining experience of this system during the interim period; Whereas it is desirable to introduce a more flexible, simpler and more efficient system of zones within which air fares meeting particular conditions qualify for automatic approval by the aeronautical authorities of the States concerned; (1) O] No C 258, 11. 10. 1989, p. 3; and O] No C 164, 5. 7. 1990, p. 7. (3) OJ No C 96, 17. 4. 1990, p. 59. (®) O] No C 112, 7. 5. 1990, p. 17. (*) O] No L 374, 31. 12. 1987, p. 12. Whereas, in the case of double approval and double disapproval of air fares, it-is appropriate to provide for a procedure according to which Member States may -ask the Commission to examine and-decide on whether a proposed air fare conforms with the criteria laid down; whereas in case of excessively high or low air fares, the Commission must be able to suspend the application of an air fare during its examination; ‘ Whereas, in the case of double approval of air fares, provision should be made-for rapid consultation between Member States in the case of any disagreement and for procedures for settling such disagreements that are not resolved by consultations; Whereas this Regulation replaces Directive 87/601/EEC; - whereas it is therefore necessary to revoke that Directive; Whereas it is desirable that the Council adopts further measures of liberalization in respect of air fares by 30 June 1992, HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: SCOPE AND DEFINITIONS Article 1 This Regulation shall apply to criteria and procedures to be applied with respect to the establishment of scheduled air fares charged on routes between- Member States. Article 2. For the purposes of this Regulation: (a) scheduled air fares means the prices to be paid in the applicable . national currency for the carriage of - passengers and baggage on scheduled air services and - the conditions under which those prices apply, including remuneration and conditions offered to agency and other auxiliary services; ) .