Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc received a letter on Tuesday 27 September signed jointly by eight transport ministers calling on her to take action against increasing improper and illegal practices in the international road transport sector which are distorting competition and eroding social rights.
The ministers of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and Norway highlight two types of behaviour which are resulting in a great deal of unfair competition on the internal market. The first is improper use of fundamental freedoms to avoid applying European rules – a veiled reference principally to the Eastern European states. The second is the rise in illegal activities, the emergence of “brass-plate companies” and unfair business practices in Europe.
For the ministers, it is crucial that there is compliance with the European treaties, including on the principles of non-discrimination and equalisation of living and working standards, by imposing the same levels of social rights for all citizens and single market operators. This is important, too, for reasons of road safety.
They set out four demands for the European Commission: - a ban on the regular weekly rest time in the vehicle which causes congestion in the motorway service areas; - the strengthening and harmonisation of checks on enforcement of rules and social standards across Europe; - addressing the activities of brass-plate companies and illegal and/or improper activities; - and measures to prevent excessive development of the use of light utility vehicles for international transport.
The Commission launched a public consultation at the start of the month on legislation for road transport with a view to improving the social aspects of European legislation (see EUROPE 11617) ahead of a communication which is likely to be presented in 2017 (see EUROPE 11590). (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)