91998E2042

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2042/98

by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission

(7 July 1998)

Subject: Continual fines and charges imposed on Greek international road haulage operators

Greek international road hauliers are facing enormous problems in passing through the FYROM and Albania. The authorities of these countries are constantly imposing excess weight charges, exorbitant transit levies, decontamination levies etc. on Greek road hauliers, while hundreds of Bulgarian, FYROM and Albanian lorries (which are in a terrible condition) are allowed to move freely on Greece's road network.

Will the Commission say whether it is considering the possibility of making representations to the authorities of the countries which are continually causing problems for EU road hauliers (and singling out Greeks in particular) to cease adopting a provocative policy towards EU international road hauliers and constantly fining them, especially since these countries receive generous aid from the European Union?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(16 September 1998)

The imposition on Greek hauliers of transit and disinfection taxes in Albania and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is principally made, for the time being under the terms of bilateral agreements or arrangements concluded between individual Member States and the third country in question.

In the case of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, however, the relevant provisions of the agreement between the Community and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in transport(1) also apply. The agreement provides that the taxation of road vehicles, tolls and other charges must be non-discriminatory. It also provides that until 31 December 2002 at the latest, road vehicles that do not comply with the existing standards of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia may be subject to a special non-discriminatory charge that reflects the damage caused by additional axle weight.

The Commission monitors the correct application of these provisions. Any problem notified to the Commission, may be raised in the framework of the relevant transport or co-operation Committees in order to reach mutually acceptable solutions. If Greek operators have reason to believe that these provisions are not applied correctly, they should immediately provide detailed information to the Commission.

Financial support by the Community, including European investment bank (EIB) lending, is granted to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Albania and other countries in Eastern Europe to assist with the improvement of the main transit routes to Community standards, with a view to abolishing any special charges levied on overweight vehicles once these roads have been upgraded.

Where the roadworthiness of vehicles from the countries mentioned by the Honourable Member is concerned, the national authorities of any state where these vehicles circulate have the right to take off the road any vehicles that are deemed unsafe.

(1) OJ L 348, 18.12.1997.