Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001518/2025/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 144
Giuseppe Antoci (The Left)
The recent decision to further increase fares for subsidised sea connections to the smaller Sicilian islands (up 72 % since 2022), coupled with the simultaneous reduction of services, raises serious concerns for local communities and tourism accessibility.
Federconsumatori[1][2] has pointed out that those increases in prices penalise local economies and violate the European principle of mobility and accessibility of essential public services, enshrined in Regulation (EEC) No 3577/92, as well as the objectives of territorial cohesion laid down in the TFEU.
The current financing system for public service routes is not enough to contain price hikes.
In the light of the above, I ask the Commission:
- 1.Does it believe that Regulation (EEC) No 3577/92 is compatible with the current pricing policy adopted for sea connections to the smaller Sicilian islands, given the severe disadvantage those islands are at as a result of their insularity?
- 2.What steps can it take to provide more transparency in the procedures for reviewing subsidies for maritime services in the public interest?
Submitted: 14.4.2025