Adina Valean, the European Commissioner for Transport, reportedly affirmed Italy’s intention to pursue legal action against Austria, stating:
“I know that Italy wants to take Austria to court for the unilateral blockades at the Brenner Pass, and we will see what the European Court of Justice will do.”
According to the Italian news agency ANSA, Valean said a court decision would probably provide a quicker solution than the infringement procedure.
The dispute stems from Austria’s unilateral ban on heavy vehicles using the Brenner Pass, a vital route linking Italy and Western Europe with Austria and Eastern European countries. Italian Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Salvini has vehemently condemned these bans, citing their negative impact on traffic flow, pollution and fair competition between EU member states.
In February, the Italian government took proactive steps by formally requesting an infringement procedure against Austria through a letter to the Secretary General of the European Commission. This move was prompted by years of frustration over the lack of a negotiated solution to the Brenner Pass transit issue.
Speaking at a parliamentary session, Salvini reiterated the urgency of resolving the situation, stressing the importance of the Brenner as a vital axis for the entire EU. He stressed the need for swift action in the face of what he called the Commission’s “shameful inertia” in tackling the problem.
In mid-May, the European Commission will decide on Italy’s request to open an infringement procedure against Austria for banning lorries from the Brenner Pass. According to Transporti Italia, this information was announced by Salvini during a question and answer session in Parliament yesterday.