The European Commission today adopted a reasoned opinion in the context of the proceedings initiated by Italy against of Austria arguing that it infringes EU law in the extent to which certain measures restricting road traffic are imposed on the Brenner axis. The Commission confirmed that some measures in force in Austria impose restrictions on the transport of on the A12 and A13 motorways and consequently restrict the free movement of goods referred to in Articles 34 and 35 TFEU: a night driving ban, a sectoral traffic ban for certain types of goods "compatible with transport by rail", a ban on winter traffic on on Saturdays and the rationing of heavy goods vehicles entering the highway (known as the "dosing system").

The European Commission has specified that, while acknowledging that explanations provided by Austria in relation to environmental considerations, considers that the measures taken to are not coherent and cannot therefore be fully justified in the light of the achievement of the objectives (environmental protection, road safety, fluidity or security of supply). In addition, some of the These measures are more likely to have an impact on the foreign companies rather than Austrian ones.

With regard to Italy's complaint against the Austria's complaint on an alleged lack of loyalty cooperation, the Commission considers that Italy has not provided any sufficient evidence to support that claim.

Following the adoption of the Commission's reasoned opinion, Italy may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice. EU Justice. However, the parties have the option of an amicable settlement of the dispute and the The Commission has expressed its readiness to support them in this effort.

Having learned of the pronouncement from Brussels, the Ministry of Finance, Infrastructure and Transport, stressing that the Commission has unequivocally censured all Austrian prohibitions on the traffic along the Brenner Corridor, confirmed the intention to Italy to proceed to formalise the application to the Court of Justice of EU Justice. MIT pointed out that the opinion of the Commission confirms the government's position Italian and, with the strong input of the Vice-President of the Council of Ministers and Minister Matteo Salvini, has decided to take the path of after years of discussions aimed at finding a negotiated solution, whipped by Austrian intransigence.

Satisfaction with the EU Commission's pronouncement is was expressed by the Italian road haulage associations ANITA and Fai-Conftrasporti. "The news," said the president by ANITA, Riccardo Morelli - represents a significant victory for our country and for the companies that move on a daily basis the national economy, bringing Made in Italy to the North Europe. ANITA expresses its heartfelt thanks to the Minister of Finance. Infrastructure and Transport, Matteo Salvini, for having urged the Italian Government to take the initiative against the Austria, showing that it firmly believes in the reasons highlighted by ANITA, as well as to those who have committed themselves to the to achieve this. Ensuring free movement and Fair competition between companies is of paramount importance. importance for the competitiveness of the national economy'.

"We've always been supportive," Thomas recalled Baumgartner, past president of ANITA with responsibility for the Brenner Pass - who various Austrian measures against the transit of goods through the Tyrol are discriminatory and contrary to the principle of freedom of expression. movement of goods and which, in addition to infringing the This is causing serious damage to the Italian economy. We pleased with the clear stance of the European Commission which vindicates our theses, confirming that the justifications expressed by Austria with regard to the safety of the and environmental protection shall not apply'.

"Today's event," commented the president of Fai-Conftrasporto Paolo Uggè - is a first response which does not deviate from the line held in the past. I remember that more On several occasions the Austrian Government has been the subject of pronouncements negative effects on the policy of bans on freedom of expression. a principle enshrined in the European Union itself. The last "rejection" against Austria took place in 2004 with the Berlusconi government on eco-points, and to preside over The trialogue that expressed itself negatively was me, as a Undersecretary of State for Transport. The Austrian minister was Gorbach. The Italian Pietro Lunardi. Now we are waiting for the Supreme Court, but - concluded Uggè - it will be necessary to immediately remove limitations and open up to a discussion that leads to solutions ensuring respect for the environment and the freedom of movement'.

On the Austrian side, the Minister for Climate Protection and the Governor of the State of Tyrol, Leonore Gewessler and Anton Mattle, anticipated that Austria's response will be to underline once again its availability talks, despite the fact that last year Italy the negotiations, and made it clear that neither the government nor the Austrian Federal Government or the Tyrolean Regional Government will waive the Tyrolean emergency measures that - have highlighted - not only protect the lives and health of people in the whole of Tyrol, but they are also an obligation under the law as Austria has to take steps to comply with the to the EU Air Quality Directive, especially as the A further reduction will be decided shortly at EU level limit values.

"Tyrolean emergency measures," Gewessler reiterated are legally compliant and correct. Because for us, the People's health and lives are non-negotiable. We are united on the side of the Tyrolean people and we will do everything we can to protect it at all times. Our arguments - he added - they are good. Tyrolean emergency measures have a basis appropriate legal system. I am convinced that in the end, clean air, Road safety and health will win over lobbying interests of the Italian transport industry. One thing is clear: The sooner that happens, the better. That's why Austria remains open to dialogue. Now Matteo Salvini - he said Gewessler - must decide whether to be a minister for the benefit of the transporters or the people'.

"We continue to be ready," Mattle said. discuss new measures that will improve the situation along the Brenner corridor. However, the limit that can be tolerated by the people, nature and infrastructure has been achieved for some time. That is why we will continue to defend the Tyrolean emergency measures with good arguments and we will remind the our European neighbours and the European Commission's agreements such as the Alpine Convention or the White Paper on Transport. Anyone who talks about reducing traffic on the roads must support the regions in this objective as well."

"We will examine and evaluate in detail," said the Head of Transport and Environmental Conservation, and of the nature of the Tyrolean government, René Zumtobel - the European Commission statement presented today and the criticisms raised in it. Ultimately, unfortunately, it's not surprising that the Commissioner for Transport gives absolute priority to the free movement of goods. I assume that now Italy will bring with the support of the Commissioner for Transport and that then a decision will be made before the Court of Justice between the free movement of goods and the protection of the health, living space and the environment. We will prepare in coordination with the Confederation and in any case we will put in place everything is at stake and we will fight before the European Court of Justice for climate and health protection and against uncontrolled lorry traffic through Tyrol."