Because the municipality closed the border crossing in Schattendorf, a car had to drive 3.4 kilometers further than planned. Behind the fuel substitution lawsuit lies a pure matter of principle. The verdict is pronounced in writing, the mayor is relaxed.
Of course, the disputed amount may sound ridiculous. It seems clear that the Hungarian law firm NZP Nagy Legal is concerned about the principle.
Detour via Klingenbach
Because employees could not cross the border in Schattendorf by car due to the posts in July, they had to go via Klingenbach. The route was 3.4 km longer, so the municipality of Schattendorf would now have to pay the additional fuel costs of 27 cents. “We want to achieve what should be self-evident in Europe anyway,” law firm employee Mate Ruzicksa said during the civil trial in Eisenstadt. “Namely that you can cross the border by car freely and without restrictions.”
The judgment is pronounced in writing.
Bollard system in use from December 1
The border crossing has been closed for months and a pedestrian zone with retractable traffic bollards has been set up. Anyone who wants to continue driving and therefore cross the border needs an exemption. The municipality has received 300 applications for this and is currently examining them. “Our bollard system will come into effect on December 1,” said Mayor Thomas Hoffmann, who made it clear: “We are not closing the border, but have set up a FUZO. The connection between the two countries remains intact, just not for trucks and cars. We have therefore met all requirements of Austrian and European law.”
NZP Nagy Legal wants to continue taking action against the restrictions. A request for supervisory review was filed with the Constitutional Court, as well as a complaint with the European Commission. The law firm wants to call the EU anti-corruption authority because Schattendorf used EU funds to renovate the border crossing before it was closed.
Local boss Hoffmann is also quietly looking forward to this.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
