Why Did the European Commission Create a New Machinery Directive?

A.
As with all laws drafting is not perfect and the commission recognized gaps between the effects that were intended and achieved in the original drafting. A commissioned study by a high level group of independent experts into the practical application of the machinery directive resulted in the "Molitor Report". This report issued in November 1995 contained 12 recommendations for simplifying the application of the Machinery Directive. Most of these recommendations have been followed in Directive 2006/42/C. The objectives in introducing a new directive are to: provide a better definition of key concepts within the directive, to clarify certain aspects and requirements which were perceived as ambiguous, to ensure uniform application, to consolidate and simplify the application of the directive in harmony with other EU directives and to provide greater legal certainty for buyers and suppliers.