Brussels, 03/10/2002 (Agence Europe) - On 2 October, the European Commission decided not to voice any objection regarding the German "Förderrichtlinie" system, running from 2002 to 2005, and providing for up to EUR 110.5 million to enable privately run companies to construct combined transport terminals. The aim is to shift traffic from road to rail and inland waterways.
Subsidies for the construction of new terminals will only be granted if the operation of the terminal is tendered. If a subsidy for extension of existing terminals is requested, the operation of this terminal has also to be tendered, unless the aid intensity is less than 50% of eligible costs. All co-funded terminals will be opened to potential users on a non-discriminatory basis. Prior to any funding decision, a business plan will be assessed by the administration to ascertain the mid-term viability of the terminal operation. The administration will also ensure that the subsidised terminal development does not take away freight from existing terminals in Germany or in its neighbouring countries.
The Commission decided today that no aid was involved where tendering requirements existed. In the instances not requiring a tender, the aid scheme was deemed compatible with competition rules.
We recall that shifting goods off the road to other more environmentally friendly and less congested modes of transport is a key objective of European transport policy.