Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000535/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Kostas Papadakis (NI)
The new year began with the now customary toll increases, dealing another blow to the already plundered income of the people. Ordinary people paid—and are paying—a heavy price for the construction of the road network: they pay increased tolls every year, they pay very expensive fuel bills and very expensive traffic fees, while business groups enjoy “guaranteed profits”, as well as the so-called “shadow tolls”, which they secure for themselves from the clauses of concession contracts. This is what the handover of the transport network to business groups leads to. As for the security of the infrastructure, this always comes into the “cost-benefit” balance, with well-known consequences – not being able to meet basic security measures.
The EU bears enormous responsibility for the above, as it repeatedly claims that it does not impose tolls itself, while Directive (EU) 2022/362 establishes “user fees proportionate to the duration of the use made of the infrastructure” and provides that “financing for future transport investments” will be secured on the basis of the EU “user pays” principle.
In light of the above,
- 1.What is the Commission’s position on the fact that increases in tolls are made based on EU guidelines, as reflected in Directive (EU) 2022/362, which are co-designed by governments and which affect the people?
- 2.What is the Commission’s position on the request for a road network under the exclusive responsibility of the state, with the abolition of concessions and tolls, and free travel on modern, safe motorways for the people?
Submitted: 5.2.2025