Disruption on the sea route between Italy and France (Santa Teresa di Gallura-Bonifacio)
11.12.2024
Question for written answer E-002859/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Marco Falcone (PPE)
The application of the principle of freedom to provide services to maritime transport within Member States (maritime cabotage) is provided for by Council Regulation (EEC) No 3577/92.
In its Decision of 16 March 2004 (2005/163/EC), the Commission considered that the connection between the islands of Sardinia and Corsica, albeit of an international nature, was a short-distance cross-border connection of mainly local interest, suitable for ensuring the mobility of workers, tourist traffic and the regular flow of goods.
For years, the disruptions – such as bad weather, engine failures in the motor vessels used on the route and the lack of replacement vessels – have been a source of annoyance for passengers and hauliers on the Santa Teresa di Gallura-Bonifacio route, interrupting the natural link between Sardinia and Corsica.
Given the upcoming tender procedure for the service under concession to private individuals, on the basis of territorial continuity, these problems need to be resolved.
In view of the above:
- 1.How does the Commission intend to support Italy and France in standardising the connection?
- 2.Does the Commission believe there should be compensation for users who have been affected by the disruptions?
Submitted: 11.12.2024