Brussels, 18/12/2007 (Agence Europe) - Now that Malta has put into place new procedures that allow market participants other than former state monopoly Enemalta to apply for licences, the European Commission closed infringement proceedings against the country on 18 December over its restrictions on the import, storage and wholesale of petroleum products.
Member States are obliged to adjust any state monopolies of a commercial character so as to ensure that there is no discrimination between nationals of Member States regarding the conditions under which goods are bought and sold. According to the Accession Treaty, Malta had to ensure that petroleum products could be traded through a licensing system by 1 January 2006. Currently the state-owned company Enemalta is the only company holding such a licence. In October 2007, Malta adopted legislative measures to create a framework for a new licensing procedure to allow other companies to apply for a licence. The necessary implementing measures have also been published. The Commission has been assured by the Maltese authorities that licences will be issued to operators who meet the legal requirements. In October, the Commission decided to take Malta to the Court of Justice unless it adjusted its petroleum products regime within three months. The adjustment has now been completed. (O.L.)