The European Commission indeed “took note" of the vote at the European Parliament on Wednesday 4 July. The vote rejects the amended reports on the social aspects of the first mobility package (see EUROPE 12055). The Commission points out, however, that it is “critical” for the transport sector that a compromise is found at both the Parliament and Council of the EU.
This is, in substance, what Enrico Brivio, the European Commission spokesperson in charge of transport, said on Thursday, 5 July. Questioned by EUROPE during a press conference about the unlikelihood of being able to finalise the inter-institutional negotiations (‘trialogues’) on the three key dossiers (postings, driving and resting time and cabotage) before the European elections next year, Mr Brivio said that he did not share this “highly pessimistic view”.
It should be recalled that in addition to the vote in Parliament on 4 July, discussions between transport ministers on these issues are also stalling (see EUROPE 12036).
Mr Brivio added “We stand ready to work with the Parliament to achieve this and we hope we still can make it” and then pointed out that the Austrian Presidency of the Council intended to obtain a general approach at a ministerial level in December. (Original version in French by Lucas Tripoteau)