Prohibition of the use of historic vehicles in Greece

7.12.2017

Question for written answer E-007554-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Manolis Kefalogiannis (PPE)

By virtue of recently adopted legislation (Joint Ministerial Decision No Α econ. 55972-3112 [Government Gazette, Series II, No 3641]), the Greek Government has essentially banned the use of historic vehicles, an international first, since no other State in the world has banned the use of such vehicles.

The above legislation also provided for huge fines to be imposed on the owners of historic vehicles, thus making any use thereof impossible.

These restrictions have dealt a decisive blow on historic vehicles and will lead to the disappearance of such vehicles and motorcycles in Greece.

This is also a blow to a number of professionals whose work is related to historic vehicles.

The Hellenic State will also incur a loss, as it will no longer collect customs duties from the import of historic vehicles and the numerous spare parts that are necessary for maintaining them.

In view of this, will the Commission say:

• —Is it aware of this situation?
• —Are the decisions recently taken by the Greek Government compatible with EC law?