On Wednesday 29 April, the European College of Commissioners adopted a package of measures intended to “ease the regulatory burden and reduce costs for transport companies” that are experiencing difficulties as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
These measures, already presented to MEPs by the Commissioner for Transport, Adina Vălean, (see EUROPE 12476/3), could be followed up with other proposals in the coming weeks.
Two proposals have been put forward in respect of the aviation sector. The Commission proposes, first of all, to authorise the extension until 31 December 2021 of contracts concluded with groundhandling companies, and to make the awarding of these contracts more efficient in order to avoid the blocking of airports in the event of a company going bankrupt.
It has also suggested a temporary change in the regulations on the licensing of air carriers in difficulties.
The proposal on air services can be read here: https://bit.ly/35nJZLK – and the proposal on licensing can be found here: https://bit.ly/3aRc138
For the maritime sector, the Commission wants to allow Member States and port authorities to defer, reduce or abolish port infrastructure charges.
Ferry companies, for example, whose operations are now at a standstill could benefit from this measure. The institution would like it to be applicable to charges due for the period between 1 March and 31 December 2020.
Consult the proposal: https://bit.ly/2VL9h3a
In terms of rail, the deadline for Member States to transpose European legislation on railway safety and interoperability should be extended by 3 months.
Only 8 Member States have so far transposed both Directives (2016/797 and 2016/798). Given the current circumstances, the majority of the remaining 17 Member States have requested a deadline for transposition. “This delay will ensure the sector has legal clarity and can focus its time and resources on Coronavirus recovery”, the institution said.
The proposal can be viewed here: https://bit.ly/35ioBap
Finally, in respect of the road sector, the European Commission has granted 11 Member States a temporary exemption from Community rules regarding driving times and rest periods. The Member States in question are Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium, Greece, Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Sweden and Austria.
“Nine other Member States have also requested a temporary exemption and will receive a positive decision in the coming weeks”, the institution said.
All of these measures, according to Commissioner Vălean, “should also allow companies in the sector to start focusing on their much-needed recovery”. (Original version in French by Agathe Cherki)