Ministers seal political deal on Eurovignette

摘要

The Belgian EU Presidency has succeeded in pushing through a political agreement on revision of the Eurovignette Directive, paving the way to the 'polluter pays' principle for road transport. Its success resulted from a difficult compromise between peripheral states -which were the most reluctant because their hauliers will pay the highest price - and more central states, more ambitious because they bear the brunt of the inconveniences caused by truck traffic. The compromise, which will enable the EU institutions to begin second-reading negotiations after a stalemate of a year and a half, was adopted by qualified majority, with Italy and Spain opposed and Ireland and the Netherlands abstaining. Portugal will take a stand at the time of formal adoption of the Council's common position. The European Commission backs the agreement although it made no secret of its disappointment over certain compromises made to convince the sceptics.