On Monday, European Parliament’s transport committee members voted to begin trialogues on driving licenses, driving disqualification, maximum weights and dimensions in traffic, railway capacity, and maritime safety rules. The European Parliament had already established its position on five files before the European elections in June. The decision to open negotiations with the Council will be left to the new Parliament.
Driving licence
MEPs introduced the following changes to EU driving license rules in February 2024: mobile driving licenses, self-assessment of fitness to drive, increased awareness of pedestrians, a probationary two-year driving period for novice drivers, and accompanied driving for 17-year-olds. The Transport and Tourism Committee voted to start talks with the Council to agree on these changes by 37 votes to three, with one abstention.
Driving disqualification
In February, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) supported new rules to ensure that if a non-resident’s driving license is suspended, restricted, or withdrawn in one EU country, this decision must be communicated to the country that issued the license. Today, Transport MEPs voted 36 to 4 with one abstention to begin trialogues.
Maximum weights and dimensions
The road transport weights and dimensions rules were revised and approved by Parliament in March. The goal is to encourage the transport industry to transition to cleaner vehicles by providing extra loading capacity to zero-emission trucks and buses, making them more competitive than traditional alternatives. The decision to initiate trialogues on these rules received 30 votes in favour, nine against, and two abstentions.
Railway infrastructure capacity
The new rules establish conditions for planning and allocating railway infrastructure capacity in the EU. This will allow for more optimal use of rail tracks, improve punctuality and reliability, and help reduce transport-related emissions. Parliament adopted its position on these rules in March. Today, with 38 votes to three and one abstention, it entered interinstitutional negotiations.
European Maritime Safety Agency
According to a decision made by the Parliament in March, the European Maritime Safety Agency should be better equipped to assist member states in transitioning to greener practices, improving situational awareness, and providing training on crew working conditions. Following this position, Transport MEPs voted 37 to 1 with two abstentions to begin trialogues.
Transport MEPs’ decision to enter into interinstitutional negotiations on the mentioned files paves the way for Parliament and Council negotiators to agree on a negotiation schedule.
