Member States' ambassadors to the European Union ('Coreper') agreed on Friday 15 February on road transport measures that could be taken at the EU level to counter the consequences of a potential exit of the UK from the EU without agreement (Brexit).
This agreement echoes the European Commission's proposals from 19 December last, which included emergency measures in the absence of an agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union on Brexit (see EUROPE 12163).
The aim is to allow carriers licensed in the United Kingdom to operate between the United Kingdom and the European Union, subject to reciprocal measures by the British.
While the report on this subject to the European Parliament, which was drafted by Isabella de Monte (S&D, Italy) and which makes certain amendments to the draft regulation, did not pose any particular difficulties during the vote in plenary session on Wednesday 13 February (see EUROPE 12193), discussions have apparently been more heated at the Member State level in recent days.
While the European Commission's proposal only concerns goods transported by road, the Member States wish in particular to extend the scope of this text to passenger transport. According our information, it would appear that Ireland has pushed for such an option.
A first meeting for inter-institutional negotiations ('trilogues') with representatives of Parliament is scheduled for Monday 18 February. (Original version in French by Lucas Tripoteau)