Situation of lorry drivers unjustly accused of trafficking migrants

24.9.2019

Question for written answer E-002930-19
to the Commission
Rule 138
Tomáš Zdechovský (PPE)

I have long taken an interest in the situation of lorry drivers travelling from continental Europe to the United Kingdom. In October 2017, I initiated a plenary debate on the need to protect lorry drivers from illegal immigrants, who attack them and hide in their trailers. Drivers are then issued with fines for alleged trafficking that could bankrupt them. At the time, the Commission explicitly agreed that it was necessary to provide drivers with greater protection.

Now, two years after the debate, the situation of lorry drivers remains bad. They are falling victim to sophisticated frauds carried out by trafficking gangs, who attract drivers with fraudulent advertisements offering favourable but credible extra income. France has adopted a more stringent approach to drivers. For example, two Czech drivers have been sentenced to two years in prison, although no money was found and no agreement with migrants was confirmed. The simple fact that there were refugees in the truck was enough to convict.

I have already forwarded the background documents to Europol and the Czech police, and I am also cooperating with transport companies and the media to better inform drivers. In this connection;

Is the Commission planning to re-examine the situation of drivers?

Would the Commission be willing to launch a dialogue with France and the United Kingdom on cases involving drivers in which there is no clear evidence of intent to engage in trafficking?

Would the Commission be willing to engage in a dialogue with France to ensure more effective controls?