Brussels, 15/03/2011 (Agence Europe) - MEPs have not given up on the question of the allocation of revenues generated by charges on external transport costs, authorised by the adoption of the revised Eurovignette directive. The possibility currently being examined by rapporteur Saïd El Khadraoui (S&D, Belgium), who met with European journalists on Monday 14 March, consists of applying revenue generated by the Eurovignette, which would be similar to the principal approved in the European Trading Scheme for greenhouse gas emission quotas (ETS): parts of the income would be transferred by member states to a Community fund, whose objective would be worked out in advance (in this case, to benefit more sustainable modes of transport) (EUROPE 9690).
In the draft report during the second reading, which the EP transport committee examined for the first time on Tuesday 15 March, El Khadraoui proposes that revenue generated by charges on external costs, as well as those for infrastructure, shall be used to benefit a more sustainable transport sector and for optimising the whole of the transport system. According to the rapporteur, at least 50% of this income should be allocated to help fund the Trans-European Transport Network (EUROPE 10328). He also highlights the need for transparency in the member states with regard to income received through implementation of the Eurovignette, “even if they do not use this to help transport”, he explained on Monday. The proposal by El Khadroui appears to have the support of the European Commission and Conservative and Liberal MEPs also appeared fairly responsive during the examination of the draft report. The Greens Group, however, appeared hostile to any weakening of the principle for allocating revenue. The committee vote is planned for 12 April. (A.By/transl.fl.)