Peijs (PPE-DE). – (NL) Mr President, the rapporteur's coordinating work has enabled us to achieve a great deal of agreement in Parliament. A new regulation is being proposed to replace the old eco points system. Because the objectives of the old system, which expires at the end of 2003, were achieved in 2002, we came to the conclusion that it would not be a good thing to continue the old system. The present regulation provides a good balance between protection of the vulnerable Alpine region on the one hand and the wishes of the Austrian population and the absolutely fundamental principle of the free movement of goods on the other. It is not easy for anyone to arrive at a balanced solution for transit traffic through the Austrian Alps. The concerns about environmental pollution and public health are understandable. Geographically speaking, Austria is, after all, a transit country, which is why we suggested excluding from the area the lorries that produce the most pollution. At the same time we call upon the Council and the Commission to promote clean and quiet EURO-4 category lorries as soon as they are on the market by providing a purchase subsidy for transport companies, thus helping them to bear the considerable financial burden these lorries will represent.

I think that this is one of the major advantages that Parliament’s proposal has over that of the Council and the Commission. If we promote cleaner lorries, transport companies will be encouraged to buy environmentally friendly vehicles. Cleaner lorries, the so-called EURO-3 and EURO-4, are therefore not subject to the quota system but have free passage. The proposals of both the Commission and the Council do not promote the use of clean lorries in any way whatsoever. In fact they even go so far as to penalise the use of the clean EURO-4 by reducing the number of points that will be available.

It must also be crystal clear to all parties concerned that it will really be over after 2006. There can be absolutely no question of an extension or any other form of quota system. Austria’s unique position cannot continue, certainly not given the discriminatory nature of the old system. Only 10% of the ton-kilometres driven on Austrian territory relate to transit traffic through Austria, while there are absolutely no requirements for national transport to tackle hazardous NOx emissions. The entry into force of the directive on infrastructure charging and the end of the points system will therefore be linked only if the charging directive enters into force before the end of 2006.

I have two urgent requests. The first is that the Commission should make it possible for the Council to put forward a supporting regulation for EURO-4 to Parliament without the risk of accusations of state support. The second urgent request is addressed to Austria: do something from your side too, by increasing the number of trains and ensuring that they are cleaner. Finally, get a move on with the Brenner Base Tunnel: 2021 is absolutely unacceptable. I am firmly convinced that my colleague Paul Rübig will agree with this support, which is also aimed at smaller and medium-sized transport companies.