The international transport sector is bearing the brunt of the jumble of rules in different EU member states. So argues European employers' organisation BusinessEurope in a letter to the European Commission.
Minimum wage
The letter states that Germany's minimum wage enforcement controls are at odds with the principles of free movement and the internal market in Europe. Entrepreneurs face additional costs and administrative burdens due to the introduction of the minimum wage. France also announced this week that it would introduce the minimum wage for drivers driving in the country.
Electronic control system
Furthermore, in the letter, BusinessEurope talks about the rules in Hungary, France and Belgium that allegedly conflict with European policy. Hungary, for example, introduced an electronic control system this year to combat VAT fraud. Transport companies are required to apply for a so-called EKAER number for each vehicle, which they have to present during checks. If they cannot, they will pay a fine of up to 40 per cent of the product value, and the transport will be stopped. This too would lead to additional costs, administrative burden and a loss of flexibility.
Not sleeping in own car
Furthermore, drivers in France and Belgium are banned from sleeping in their own cars during the weekend break. According to BusinessEurope, the European Commission should examine this rule for proportionality and conflict with European rules.
BusinessEurope wrote the letter to the European Commission at the urging of VNO-NCW and Dutch employers' organisations in the transport sector.
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