Brussels, 20/12/2007 (Agence Europe) - Switzerland, the EU's ambitious partner in the field of transport, continues to adjust its national law to come into line with the Community body of law in this matter. The joint EU-Switzerland committee met for the 12th time on Tuesday 11 December with a view to seeking solutions for abolishing the last obstacles to mutual access to overland transport markets. In parallel to the talks aimed at abolishing the 24-hour rule and an agreement recently found on the Heavy Vehicle Fee (see EUROPE 9455), Switzerland may come into line with European legislation relating to rail transport. The Swiss parliament is expected to adopt two first EU rail packages next year as elements for reform of the Swiss railway.
In 1999, Switzerland and the EU signed 7 agreements aimed at closing the gap between the two bodies of law. One of the agreements concerned overland transport (pricing, mutual liberalisation of transport operations, adoption by Bern of legislative acts equivalent to certain elements of the Community acquis in the transport field, etc), and the other air transport (mutual liberalisation of air markets). The joint committee on overland transport was set up in 2000 to settle the complementarity of legislation during bi-annual meetings. During its 12th meeting organised in Brussels on Tuesday 11 December, the Swiss delegation took stock of the state of progress made in adjusting its law to Community law, calling for legal equality to be restored between Swiss law and EU law. In concrete terms, in order to abolish the last obstacles to the free movement of goods, Switzerland hopes to adopt the first and the second rail packages (EUROPE 8135 and 8432) that have made it possible to liberalise international rail freight transport (from 1 January 2006) and national freight transport (from 1 January 2007), and which aim to harmonise European rail systems to a greater extent. This adoption should, however, be done without hampering the way the Swiss rail system works, by avoiding the slightest distortion in competition between the EU and Swiss rail companies and by complying with environmental norms in force in Switzerland, especially those relating to noise pollution. The Swiss parliament will examine the two European proposals during the first half of 2008 before tackling the third rail package (on passenger rail transport).
On the other hand, Switzerland remains reticent about the idea of coming into line with European regulations on haulier/driver resting and driving time. A highly controversial subject in Europe, these new provisions, which took effect on 11 April 2007, impose a compulsory 24 hour period of rest after six consecutive working days and at least two days rest every two weeks (see EUROPE 9387). Switzerland reserves the right not to sign up to this regulation unless it is certain that it is applied throughout Europe. The next meeting of the joint committee will be held in June 2008. (A.By.)