EUROPE: The European Parliament has approved temporary measures designed to ensure that rail operations through the Channel Tunnel can continue once the Brexit transition period ends on January 1 2021.
The European Parliament approved the temporary rules under an urgent procedure on December 17 with 684 votes in favour, three against and two abstentions. The temporary rules now have to be adopted by the Council. They would enter into force when published on EU Official Journal and cease to apply on 1 October 2021 at the latest.
The European Parliament had voted on legislation in October allowing France to negotiate a new international agreement with the UK regarding governance of the fixed link. This would see the current Intergovernmental Commission remain the main safety authority for the tunnel, but agreement has not yet been reached by the two countries.
In the latest decision, the European Parliament has agreed to temporarily extend safety licences and certificates to allow sufficient time to conclude a bilateral agreement.
The licence for the current tunnel infrastructure manager would remain valid for two months after the end of the transition period. Safety certificates and licences issued under EU law to UK companies would be extended for nine months.
