Austria breaching free-movement rules at Brenner Pass-EC

(ANSA) - ROME, MAY 14 - The European Commission said Tuesday that Austria was breaching EU rules on free movement with restrictions it has been implemented at its border at the Brenner Pass after Italy complained against Vienna's unilateral blockades on lorries The Commission said in an opinion that "certain measures in force in Austria restrict the transport of goods on the A12 and A13 motorways and, consequently, the free movement of goods" protected by the EU.
    "While taking note of some explanations put forward by Austria in relation to environmental considerations. .. the Austrian measures lack coherence and cannot be justified in their entirety".
    The Italian transport and infrastructure ministry welcomed the opinion with "great satisfaction" and said Rome would now appeal to the EU Court of Justice in order to "re-establish a favourable legal framework for businesses and protect the principle of freedom within the European Union".
    "It is another promise kept," said Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini. (ANSA).