Brussels, 28/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - Commissioner for Transport Siim Kallas has informed the European Parliament's transport committee (TRAN) that he intends to begin infringement proceedings against France over its railway network tax (IFER). The Commissioner believes that this tax undermines competition on the railways and infringes current European legislation. French and foreign companies are subject to the tax when they use the French railway network. Michael Cramer MEP (Greens/EFA, Germany) has already emphasised the fact that this practice discriminates against foreign companies and puts a brake on cross-border railway traffic. He therefore considers that the measures that the Commission is preparing send “an important signal for fair competition in the railway sector”. He also adds that “the necessary reforms, expected to be set out in the Commission's proposal for the upcoming fourth railway package, will remain effectless if the EU's executive does not enforce existing legislation”. (MD/transl.fl)