A4-0434/98

Resolution on the report from the Commission on the overall impact of the measures provided for in Council Regulation (EC) No 844/94 of 12 April 1994 extending until 28 April 1999 the 'Old for New¨ arrangements in the context of the measures to promote structural improvements in inland waterway transport introduced under Council Regulation (EEC) No 1101/89 of 27 April 1989 (COM(97)0555 - C4-0466/98)

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the report from the Commission (COM(97)0555 - C4-0466/98),

- having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 1101/89 of 27 April 1989 ((OJ L 116, 28.4.1989, p. 25.)) as regards the conditions which apply to the putting into service of new capacity for dry cargo vessels in inland waterway transport,

- having regard to the report of the Committee on Transport and Tourism and the opinion of the Committee on Budgets (A4-0434/98),

A. whereas in 1989 measures were introduced with a view to reducing the structural overcapacity in the inland waterway transport market,

B. whereas these measures were twofold, comprising scrapping premiums to reduce the capacity of the active fleet combined with measures designed to curb investment in additional vessels during the coordinated scrapping scheme ('Old for New¨ rules),

C. whereas Article 10(5) of Council Regulation No 1101/89 stipulates that 'the Commission shall submit a report to the European Parliament and the Council by 31 December 1996 evaluating the overall effect of the measures provided for by this Regulation¨,

D. whereas, while the report presented by the Commission contains an assessment of the impact on the inland waterway transport market of the application of the 'Old for New¨ arrangements since the launch of the scrapping scheme in 1990, it was submitted more than a year later than the date set out in the Regulation,

E. whereas this delay seriously jeopardises the utility and the general scope of this report,

1. Remarks that, as set out in the Community's 'scrapping scheme¨, national Scrapping Funds have been set up in the Member States directly involved, among which Austria was included after its accession on 1 January 1995;

2. Notes that the total cost of the scheme between 1990 and 1996 amounted to approximately ECU 206 million, financed by the industry, the Member States and the Community budget;

3. Notes that for the same period from 1 January 1990 to 31 December 1996 some 1 940 860 tonnes of capacity and 72 404 kW in terms of pusher craft were scrapped, while 736 620 tonnes of new capacity were brought into service on the inland waterway transport market;

4. Notes that it is thus clear that the reduction in capacity has been accompanied by an increase in the average capacity of the fleet, and hence an improvement in productivity which is more evident as far as tanker capacity is concerned;

5. Expresses its satisfaction at the success of this coordinated action between Community, Member States and industry and notes that within 1990 the aim to withdraw from the market 10% of the dry-cargo vessel fleet capacity and 15% of the tanker vessel fleet capacity was achieved;

6. In the same context, notes that the latest scrapping programme for the years 1996 to 1998 has, by recent indications, reduced the capacity of the Community fleet by a further 15% approximately;

7. In conclusion, considers that the scrapping scheme was successfully implemented and resulted in a better balance between supply and demand in the inland waterway transport sector;

8. Draws attention, however, to the fact that the scrapping scheme has considerably reduced the number of smaller vessels which are needed for navigation on smaller waterways and are essential to keep this transport mode viable;

9. Points out that in view of the opening up of the market in this sector, a crisis mechanism should be able to be put into effect as soon as any serious disturbance threatens the smooth functioning of the market or the balance of supply and demand;

10. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the Central Committee for Navigation on the Rhine and the Commission for the Danube.