EEC strives for unity
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EEC TRANSPORT ministers are holding a special Brussels meeting next week in a last minute bid to make at least some progress towards a common transport policy.
Transport ministers have been accused of failing to do their duty under the EEC treaty, and have been galvanised into sudden action by the European Parliament.
MEPs, exasperated by lack of progress after nearly 20 years, have rebelled and are bringing proceedings against the ministers in the EEC's Court of Justice for "failing to act."
The Brussels 'Eurocrats have prepared a two-year action plan on transport which they hope optimistically will provide the basis for ministerial discussion.
The Commission's analysis points out the critical role an efficient common transport system would play in the development of a mass market in Europe.
More than 40 Commission proposals are now waiting for a decision. Some have been on the council's tables for many years.
After analysing the reasons for the delay, the Commission proposes to make a new start along more pragmatic lines. It suggests a programme divided into periods of six months.
The commission argues that road transport could be expanded and the number of community licences could be increased. It also suggests a more determined effort to agree on lorry weights, haulage tariffs and driving hours.