Thanks, @Bookworm, there's some news for me there. I knew the matter was mostly in the hands of politicians, but if it is totally up to them then there will be no free lunch: if some rule is relaxed, then another one will be tightened. Politicians like compromises. Myself much prefer a status quo, the present situation is certainly not perfect but it is quite workable.
As you stated that both the European Parliament and the Council have defined their positions, can you describe them briefly, or suggest where to find them?