COMMISSION ADOPTS COVID-19 RELIEF MEASURE FOR RAIL TRANSPORT
On 22 December 2021, the European Commission adopted a measure to support the EU rail sector amidst new restrictions to prevent and contain the spread of COVID-19.
To reduce the financial burden on railway undertakings during the pandemic, the EU adopted Regulation (EU) 2020/1429 in October 2020, allowing the Member States to decrease or waive track access charges temporarily. Given the continued negative impact of COVID-19 on the sector, the Commission is now proposing to prolong the period in which the Member States can use this option beyond 2021. The proposal suggests the extension of the reference period until 30 June 2022, with any amendment extending the reference period by up to six months, until 31 December 2023. Additionally, the Commission shall be conferred the power to adopt delegated acts until 31 December 2022.
Source: European Commission