20/04/2001 (Agence Europe) - The Socialist Group in the European Parliament is organising a hearing in Brussels on 23 and 24 April on the opening public transport to competition, in view of the drawing up of the Erik Meijer report (Dutch, GUE/Nordic Green Left) on the regulation regarding public service obligation and allocation of public service contracts in the field of transport as proposed by the Commission last July (see EUROPE of 27 July 2000, p.6). Taking part in the hearing will be representatives of trade unions, consumer associations, transport companies, as well as national and local authorities. The EP's Transport Committee had already organised a hearing on the subject on 9 April, which especially highlighted differences regarding the duration of concessions of public service as proposed by the Commission. The Meijer Report should not be presented in plenary before July. (Location: European Parliament, room P7CO50, Tuesday 23 April, from 15.00 to 18.30 hrs., Wednesday 24 April, from 09.00 to 12.30 hrs.).