European Parliament
Figueiredo (GUE/NGL ),
in writing
. –
(PT)
This initiative is part of the package liberalising rail transport. I must stress that the first article in this directive points out that the objective is the opening-up of the rail network to competition, with the intention of harmonising safety rules across the European Union. While improving rules and ensuring safety are fundamental issues, which of course deserve our full support, I cannot comprehend how they can be subordinated to the ‘market’, subordinating the introduction of higher safety standards to the non-distortion of competition. The Commission’s power of control in this area is also strengthened: it is specifically given the power to suspend the application of a national safety rule for a maximum period of six months.
I therefore voted against the initiative.

