The protectionist measures of some Member States hampering the market access of foreign carriers and the free movement of labour are not in line with the EU internal market rules. These unjustified measures lead to the fragmentation of the internal transport market and make the EU economy less competitive vis-à-vis third countries. The new phenomenon in the sector could be efficiently tackled by uniform interpretation and more effective application of the current rules – as Zsolt Becsey explained.
The wage and social security systems differences between Member States should not be interpreted as unfair competition. These factors which are based on the economic and social characteristics of each Member State keep indeed the internal market in motion – it was added by Deputy State Secretary. The delegations of the Visegrád countries asked for an urgent opinion of the Commission on German minimum wage. According to their common position, market access to the EU transport market cannot be restricted for Central and Eastern European undertakings and drivers.
The Hungarian delegation strongly opposed to the extension of the scope of Posting of workers Directive to international road transport. Hungary cannot accept the application of rules on cabotage, as well as driving and rest times for light goods vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of not more than 3.5 tonnes. During the decision-making process, a cautious approach should be followed and the analysis should be evidence-based. Measures which have adverse effects on the internal transport market can only be avoided by thorough legislation. Zsolt Becsey, Deputy State Secretary called for the need of the proper management of transport relations with third countries, in particular with Ukraine and Turkey.
The Road Package of the European Commission, which could be expected in 2017, will tackle the social issues in road transport. The aim of the debate was to provide political direction for the Commission’s work on the forthcoming modifications of the EU legislation in this matter. The European Commission will probably launch still this year the public consultation and will elaborate the elements of the package in the first half of 2016 which could be adopted by the European Commission at the end of 2016.
