Bilateral quotas—new proposals by EEC

13th September 1968, Page 89

13th September 1968

Page 89

Page 89, 13th September 1968 — Bilateral quotas—new proposals by EEC

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Strong feelings among European road hauliers following the agreement of the Council of Ministers to authorize a Community quota

of 1200, international road transport permits (CM July 26) has led the European Commission to submit to the Council of Ministers a procedure designed to associate the Commission with negotiations between member states relating to bilateral quotas of road transport. This new initiative arises because it has become apparent that the negotiation Of bilateral agreements without reference to the Commission is unsatisfactory.

The Council accepted the principle of adapting quotas to developing trade in 1965 but the policy has not been seriously applied hitherto. The Commission now suggests that within ,six months member states should adapt existing quotas to transport demands and from 1970 onwards, quotas should be re-examined annually. Negotiations would be bilateral but member states whose territory was crossed in transit would participate with the Commission in the negotiations.

The Commission would have power to present member states with proposals likely to result in an agreement but failures to agree beyond the deadlines fixed would be referred to the Community Council, which would, if necessary, make a majority ruling.