Brussels, 19/06/2015 (Agence Europe) - Ireland was sent a reasoned opinion by the Commission on Thursday 18 June for its failure to ratify the Convention concerning International Carriage by Rail (COTIF) as amended in 1999 and in force since 2006.
This situation prevents the European Union from exercising the full number of votes of EU member states when amending this international agreement and its appendices which concern essential parts of EU railway legislation, such as rail passenger rights, the transport of dangerous goods or rail interoperability and safety.
Ireland now has two months to comply with the Commission's request. If it fails to do so, the Commission may decide to refer it to the EU Court of Justice. (Pascal Hansens)