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The European Commission has confirmed that it does not foresee any legislative action to reinstate the provision which had been annulled by the Court of Justice of the EU early October. This confirmation was provided this week in an answer to a written question formulated by S&D MEPs Johan Danielsson (Sweden) and Estelle Ceulemans (Belgium).

The Commission also clarified that, as the Court has declared the provision on the return of the vehicle void, it holds direct effect within the EU legal order and therefore requires no further action from the Commission. The response reiterated the Commission's earlier declaration, made following the adoption of the Mobility Package, that the obligation for the return of the truck would result in inefficiencies in the transport system, along with increased unnecessary emissions, pollution, and congestion. These potential inefficiencies were confirmed by the study assessing the expected impacts of this obligation published in February 2021.

CLECAT welcomes the Commission’s clarification, validating its arguments against the unintended consequences of the return of the vehicle provision.  CLECAT continues to call for a clear and efficient implementation of the Mobility Package provisions, to ensure a well-functioning internal market, fair competitive conditions for all players involved and improved social conditions for drivers.