The European Commission said Tuesday
that Austria was breaching EU rules on free movement with
restrictions it has been implemented at its border at the
Brenner Pass after Italy complained against Vienna's unilateral
blockades on lorries
The Commission said in an opinion that "certain measures in
force in Austria restrict the transport of goods on the A12 and
A13 motorways and, consequently, the free movement of goods"
protected by the EU.
"While taking note of some explanations put forward by Austria
in relation to environmental considerations... the Austrian
measures lack coherence and cannot be justified in their
entirety".
The Italian transport and infrastructure ministry welcomed the
opinion with "great satisfaction" and said Rome would now appeal
to the EU Court of Justice in order to "re-establish a
favourable legal framework for businesses and protect the
principle of freedom within the European Union".
"It is another promise kept," said Deputy Premier and Transport
Minister Matteo Salvini.
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