Members of the European Parliament seem to be determined to turn down again the controversial proposal on the liberalization of port services in the EU, whilst reconsidering the directives on port services. According to the European media, this proposal is almost identical to the former dismissed proposal, dating back to November 2003.
That package was dismissed out of fear the new regulation might endanger security and open European ports to non-qualified workers who could take the places of professional port employees. Unions of port workers, as well as port authorities criticized the whole initiative, heavily.
Specially addressed was the problem of 'self-handling' cargo, i.e. allow the crew or employees of the ship carrier to load/unload cargo by themselves. That dilemma divided the political groups within the Parliament. To allow the ‘self-handling’ of cargo would destroy a profitable monopole of European ports.
This week's debate and voting at Strasbourg is considered to be a test of the Commissions dedication to the ongoing liberalization process, including above all the allowing of foreign competition in providing services.
Germany asks for the proposal to be withdrawn, reminding everybody of the 'ruthless competition' going on among European ports. The German Minister of Transport, Wofgang Tiefensee pointed out in an interview that the introduction of damping prices as well as the endangering of jobs and investments would be completely counterproductive.