In the transit dispute between Italy and Austria – especially Tyrol – the European Commission will not initiate infringement proceedings. This was announced on Tuesday. Meanwhile, it called for a “return to constructive discussions”. Italian Transport Minister Matteo Salvini will now refer the case to the European Court of Justice (ECJ).
The Tyrolean emergency measures are a huge thorn in the side of Italy and especially Salvini. The truck metering system used on the Brenner route, as well as the weekend and night driving bans, are considered to be in breach of EU law.
In mid-February, the government in Rome announced that it would take the case to the European Court of Justice. According to the EU treaties, she had to first involve the European Commission. If the latter also considers the measures unlawful, it can initiate infringement proceedings.
The Commission has issued an opinion
But that is not happening, as it was announced on Tuesday. The European Commission responded to Italy’s call for action with a statement. “In it, she called for a return to constructive talks after Italy left the negotiations last year,” said a statement from the state of Tyrol.
Despite the lawsuit, the federal and state governments remain strict
Austria will once again emphasize its willingness to hold talks based on this response. Italy now has the option to independently file a complaint with the Court of Justice. And will do so. However, averting the Tyrolean emergency measures is not an option for either the Austrian federal government or the Tyrolean state government.
The Minister of Climate Protection rejects the criticism of the emergency measures in the Commission’s statementLeonore Gewessler (Greens) and Tyrolean Governor Anton Mattle (ÖVP) clearly withdrew: “The Tyrolean emergency measures are legally compliant and correct. Because people’s health and lives are non-negotiable for us. We stand together on the side of the Tyrolean people and will do everything we can to consistently protect them.”
“Now Salvini must decide”
Gewessler is also convinced that “clean air, road safety and health will ultimately win out over the lobby interests of the Italian transport sector.” One thing is clear: “The sooner this happens, the better. Therefore, Austria remains open to discussions. Now Matteo Salvini must decide whether to become minister for freighter profits or for the people.”
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
