Brussels, 15/03/2011 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has formally requested eight member states - Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia and Sweden - to transpose the directive on the certification of train drivers into national law. They still have to bring their national legislation into line with this directive, the occupational mobility of train drivers will not be ensured within the agreed time period. The Commission has set a two?month deadline for these Member States to remedy the situation before it involves the Court of Justice of the European Union. Directive 2007/59/CE sets out the conditions for train drivers to be authorised to drive trains in more than one European country, establishing the minimum requirements, which they must satisfy. A train driver holding a licence and certification to drive certain trains or locomotives in one member states will have the right to drive the same types of vehicle in other member states upon passing a driving test, but without having to undergo repeat examinations of physical fitness and general professional knowledge. member states had until 4 December 2009 to transpose the directive into their national legislation.
The non-transposition of the directive may result in restrictive examinations of general professional knowledge being maintained, acting as a hindrance to the occupational mobility of train drivers. It would also be more difficult for railway companies to offer new services in other markets. (G. B./transl.fl)