91997E3555

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3555/97 by Mirja Ryynänen (ELDR) to the Commission (4 November 1997)

Subject: EU measures to counter Russian border tolls

Russia has once again announced new barriers to trade and traffic with Finland. Russian customs officials are set to impose a 44-ton weight limit on cross-border traffic. The restriction will bring cross-border movements of Finnish commercial vehicles, for example timber shipments, virtually to a standstill.

As on the previous occasions, news of the new rules reached the authorities and haulage contractors at the last minute and came as a complete surprise. The situation on the border between the EU and Russia thus remains confused and subject to arbitrary decisions.

1. How does the Commission intend to ensure that Russia does not discriminate against the Union and its Member States by means of its own rules and requirements?

2. What steps does the Commission intend to take to bring pressure to bear on the Russian customs authorities and force them to carry out their work in accordance with proper international trading practice?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (9 December 1997)

The Commission is aware of the difficult situation at the Finnish Russian border.

Unpredictable changes, at short notice, of Russian legislation and procedures covering cross-border transport, customs operation and border controls clearly have a negative influence on transport flows between Russia and the neighbouring countries, particularly Finland.

For this reason, there have been frequent contacts and meetings at all levels between the Commission and various Russian ministries, as well as the Russian transport minister, and other authorities on such issues. In June 1997, the responsible member of the Commission visited together with the Finnish and Russian transport ministers the new road border-crossing at Vaalimaa.

As regards the issue of the weight limits, the Commission is aware of the difficulties caused by the latest change in the regulations operating in Russia. Regrettably however this particular issue cannot be appropriately addressed under the Community's partnership and cooperation agreement with Russia, which leaves issues affecting road transport operations between the Community and Russia to future negotiations.

Although the Commission tabled a recommendation in 1992 for such transport negotiations with a number of countries, including Russia, the Council has so far not authorised negotiations. The matter of the weight limit applying in Russia to Finnish commercial vehicles remains therefore one which must be addressed by the Finnish authorities.

It should be noted that the weight limit for third country vehicles entering the Community is forty tonnes, although individual Member States may, on a non-discriminatory basis, authorise vehicles with a higher limit to circulate on their own territory.

The Commission will naturally continue to press the Russian authorities, on every possible occasion, to ensure that any changes to regulations are introduced with sufficient notice and on an acceptable and non-discriminatory basis.