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Parliamentary question - E-001160/2019Parliamentary question
E-001160/2019

Revision of language requirements for train drivers

Question for written answer E-001160-19
to the Commission
Rule 130
Christine Revault d'Allonnes Bonnefoy (S&D)

On the 22 June 2018, the Commission proposed to amend point 8 of Annex VI of Directive 2007/59/EC regarding language requirements for train drivers.

The Commission Directive 2014/82/EU of 24 June 2014 amended Annex VI to specify that a driver must have a B1 language level in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in order to be able to deal with either routine or emergency situations.

The act would allow railway undertakings — in cooperation with infrastructure managers — to carry out pilot projects to test ‘alternative means’ of communication, thus doing away with the aforementioned requirement. Moreover, it is unclear whether there will be a limited number of pilot projects nor does it indicate their duration.

Furthermore, it is the second amendment through a fast procedure of Annex VI, although there is still no proposal to amend the directive.

1. Why did the Commission decide to amend Annex VI, given that the level of a driver’s language is a serious matter and has an impact on safety in the railway sector?

2. Can it explain why the pilot projects are not sufficiently defined and what it understands as ‘alternative means’?

3. Why did it not put forward a proposal to amend the directive, so that Parliament and Council can have their say?

Supporters[1]

Last updated: 2 April 2019
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