On Thursday 20 September, the European Commissioner for Transport, Violeta Bulc, informed the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) members meeting for a plenary session about the European Commission's travel sector priorities up until the end of its mandate, particularly those relating to the first mobility package.
It should be pointed out that the discussions on this package of proposals presented on 31 May 2017 have stalled on the social and market aspects at both the European Parliament and Council of the European Union (see EUROPE 12078). Time marches on, however, and the Commission would like the inter-institutional negotiations (trilogue) to conclude before the European elections in May (see EUROPE 12087).
Although the presentation paper examined by the EESC highlights progress in certain areas, there are still significant differences regarding introduction of second-generation smart tachographs, driving and resting time for lorry drivers, cabotage and the question of posted transport workers.
These points, particularly the latter, are priorities for the Commission, which recently submitted compromise suggestions to MEPs. Some of the solutions envisaged include the application of the posted worker system as from 50 hours of work a month, therefore, excluding rest time, in the same member state, with retroactive application from the first hour of international operations. According to the information we have received, the solution was poorly received by MEPs from western Europe and who support harmonisation of the social and market rules. The Commission's initial proposal was to apply this system of postings as from the fourth day of work, with a working day calculated as six hours spent on the territory of a member state.
Once again, according to the information we have received, the Commission is currently urging MEPs to move to a swift compromise and vote on their respective positions. A meeting of European Parliament transport committee coordinators is due to take place on 8 October in an effort to define the working methods for this purpose.
At the Council, discussions did not make much progress on the main points of contention. After it has consulted the different national delegations, the Austrian Presidency of the Council is also expected to submit the first draft compromises next week . (Original version in French by Lucas Tripoteau)