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EU: Parliament divided over plans to shake up rail monopolies, allow international competition

By  |  February 20, 2013

According to reports, the European Parliament’s transport committee seemed “sharply divided” as Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas proposed the Commission’s Fourth Railway Package, which would reportedly alter the current market by breaking up traditional state monopolies and allow international competition within domestic markets. In defense, Kallas said that with the plan “competition will improve” as well efficiency; he also argued prices would be more competitive for consumers. He assured parliament that the plan would increase competition in domestic rail markets but with regulation. According to reports, the plan divides Europe’s Member States – rail companies in Germany and France would benefit whereas Britain and Sweden prefer that infrastructure is managed independent from the actual trains.

 

Full Content: EurActiv

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