Brussels, 21/03/2007 (Agence Europe) - On 21 March, the European Commission decided to launch a major series of infringement proceedings in the transport sector. At the same time, it authorised several state aid measures.
Infringement proceedings:
The Commission decided to bring 10 member states (Germany, Greece, Spain, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, Slovenia and Slovakia) before the Court of Justice, as these states have still not communicated their measures to transpose into national law two directives (2004/49 and 2004/50), which are vital components of the “second railway package”. These directives aim to guarantee a high level of safety and interoperability in the European rail sector.
A reasoned opinion for failing to observe European legislation on the digital tachograph has been sent to Greece. Athens will also receive a further reasoned opinion for failing to respect European rules on access to the road transport profession for goods and passengers.
A reasoned opinion has been sent to Estonia for failing to respect Community legislation on improving the availability and use of port reception installations for operating waste and ship cargo residue. Estonia has incorrectly transposed into its national law the rules on the inspections which are required to guarantee that this legislation is being observed.
The Commission has announced that it will bring Slovakia before the Court for its failure to observe Community rules on the use of ship classification societies (directive 94/57).
A reasoned opinion has been sent to Belgium for its failure to come into line with a Court decision of 15 December 2005, which stipulates that this member state must take the necessary measures to transpose into its legislation a European directive on the creation of a Community vessel monitoring and information system. Despite efforts already made, Belgium's transposition is still incomplete more than three years after the initial deadline (5 February 2004).
State aid authorisation:
The Commission has raised no objections to the extension of a Dutch fiscal aid regime, which reduces the taxation on seafarers employed on wind-propelled commercial cruising vessels. The aim of this measure is to make the Netherlands more attractive for maritime companies operating this kind of vessel.
The Commission has decided to authorise a social state aid regime which is of benefit to the residents of Guyana. The measure will help to counter the permanent disadvantage suffered by the inhabitants of this extremely remote region, who are faced with far worse transport problems than the inhabitants of metropolitan France, given that there is a major lack of transport infrastructure on the territory of Guyana.
The Commission has taken the view that payments made by Malta for public transport on its territory constitute state aid, but that this aid is compatible with Common market rules. Malta had unilaterally imposed public service obligations on the bus operators of the Public Transport Association, instead of entering into public service contracts with them. In return for this, it will make public service compensation payments to these companies. (ol)