Acknowledges, nonetheless, that voluntary and self-regulatory schemes can offer a cost-effective means to ensure fair conduct in the market, resolve disputes and put an end to UTPs, if coupled with independent and effective enforcement mechanisms; underlines, however, that, so far, such schemes have shown limited results owing to a lack of proper enforcement, under-representation of farmers, impartial governance structures, conflicts of interest between the parties concerned, dispute settlement mechanisms that fail to reflect supplier ‘fear factor’ and the fact that they do not apply to the whole supply chain; calls on the Commission to continue supporting the exchang ...[+++]e of best practices among Member States.

L. whereas the ongoing intimidation, harassment and arrests of representatives of opposition forces and NGOs, the recent adoption of the laws on NGO financing and the right of assembly, the law on defamation and the law imposing internet restrictions, as well as the increasing pressure being exerted on the free and independent media and on minorities with respect to sexual orientation and religious belief, are resulting in a further degradation of the situation regarding human rights and democratic principles in Russia;

L. whereas the ongoing intimidation, harassment and arrests of representatives of opposition forces and NGOs, the recent adoption of the laws on NGO financing and the right of assembly, the law on defamation and the law imposing internet restrictions, as well as the increasing pressure being exerted on the free and independent media and on minorities with respect to sexual orientation and religious belief, are resulting in a further degradation of the situation regarding human rights and democratic principles in Russia;

5. Member States may exempt from the examination persons who provide proof of at least 10 years" continuous practical experience, gained prior to the publication of this Regulation, in a transport undertaking at management level.

Member States should accordingly be able to continue to ban commercial practices in their territory, in conformity with Community law, for reasons of taste and decency even where such practices do not limit consumers' freedom of choice.

The Commission will take the following measures: Ø establish regular thematic workshops between national enforcers and organise training for enforcers and the judiciary Ø strengthen the efficiency of the CPC-Network and continue to promote coordinated enforcement actions ("sweeps") Ø assist Member States in ensuring an effective application of the Directive by further developing the Guidance document and sharing best practices with Member States Ø develop enforcement indicators, in cooperation with the Member States, specific to the a ...[+++]pplication of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, which will detect shortcomings and failures that require further investigative and/or corrective action.