In the appeal, the ministers of Lithuania, Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Malta, Poland and Romania expressed their gratitude to the EC and Commissioner Vălean for continuous efforts in pursuing sustainable, smart and resilient European transport system. Despite welcoming constructive approach and leadership demonstrated by the Commission in performing the Mobility Package impact assessment, the ministers underlined the necessity to review its provisions relating to an obligation to return trucks to the country of registration every eight weeks and cabotage restrictions.
“Beside positive provisions of the Mobility Package intended to ensure the protection of drivers’ social standards and well-being, some provisions, unfortunately, are not in line with the European Green Deal’s ambitions and internal market principles. The European Commission concluded that the obligation of return of the truck every eight weeks may lead to additional 3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in 2023, which will in turn increase emissions by international road freight transport by 5 percent. Thus, we are encouraging to revisit and clarify the above-mentioned provisions of the package,” Minister Marius Skuodis said.
The letter to European Commissioner for Transport Adina-Ioana Vălean states that the solutions to be discussed with the EC, EU Member States and other stakeholders should materialise by February 2022, before the adoption of the Mobility Package provisions at hand.
In order to avoid any discrimination against the Lithuanian carriers, competition inequality, unreasonable and disproportional requirements creating competitive advantage to other countries’ carriers in the single European market, Lithuania has already brought actions to the European Court of Justice. This March Lithuania also joined other Member States’ actions brought to the European Court of Justice.
Poland and neighbouring Baltic States expressed their support with regards to the Lithuanian appeal.
