(Reference for a preliminary ruling– Approximation of laws– Directive 97/23

32Since these proceedings are, for the parties to the main proceedings, a step in the action pending before the national court, the decision on costs is a matter for that court. Costs incurred in submitting observations to the Court, other than the costs of those parties, are not recoverable.

On those grounds, the Court (Ninth Chamber) hereby rules:

Article4(1)(1.1) of, and AnnexI to, Directive 97/23/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29May 1997 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States concerning pressure equipment, as amended by Regulation (EC) No1882/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29September 2003, read in conjunction with Article2(2) of Directive 97/23, must be interpreted as not precluding national legislation which, in order to ensure the safety of persons, in particular against earthquakes, lays down certain methods of installation for pressure equipment, such as pipes for the transport of gas, including those with the CE marking, provided that that legislation does not lead to any modification of that equipment and does not constitute an obstacle prohibited by Articles34 and 36 TFEU.

[Signatures]

*Language of the case: Greek.