Transit Dispute: Stocker and Söder Want to Speed Up Slot System

Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) emphasized that Italy must agree to a traffic management system. Austria shows willingness for a solution. Tyrol's Governor Anton Mattle (ÖVP) handed over details of the proposals to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Such a slot system was already agreed upon in April 2023 by Bavaria, Tyrol, and South Tyrol. Italy has so far rejected it, and Germany also shows reservations. Austria has supported the initiative since the previous government.

Bavaria's Prime Minister Söder with "Sympathy" for Italy's Lawsuit in Transit Dispute

"We also want to contribute constructively to developing a digital system to better regulate traffic over the Brenner motorway, without block handling and driving bans," Stocker nevertheless relied on the "slot system," without questioning the Tyrolean measures. Söder, meanwhile, praised Mattle's "cooperative attitude." If Austria speeds up the slot system, Germany will do the same. A slot system offers the possibility of achieving a reduction in traffic load through control.

That Bavaria has sympathy for Italy's transit lawsuit before the European Court of Justice (ECJ) against Tyrolean anti-transit measures, "I don't need to say," said Söder. It is "no secret that block handling is very much to our detriment." But even if the Tyrolean measures were to fall due to the Italian lawsuit, the traffic problem would remain. Stocker emphasized that the federal government saw the Tyrolean driving bans and truck block handling as "emergency measures" and wants to achieve a solution together with Italy and Bavaria. "You cannot replace politics with legal proceedings, this issue needs a political solution," said Stocker. On some days, Tyrol only allows trucks to cross the border in a controlled manner. This block handling mainly causes traffic jams in Bavaria, which has led to sharp criticism there for years.

Stocker Urges Completion of Brenner Base Tunnel

The Chancellor once again called for a shift of transit traffic to rail, "the Brenner motorway will not get wider." It is important that the Brenner Base Tunnel (BBT) is ready for use as soon as possible and that the northern access route is built, said Stocker. However, Stocker did not want to commit to a timeline, "as that regularly fails." Söder admitted: "We have to ensure that we better organize the Brenner Base Tunnel and the access routes. I admit, this is not so easy in Germany." The Brenner Base Tunnel, currently under construction, is expected to be operational in 2032, but little progress has been made on the northern condition in Germany so far.

Mattle Seeks Political Solutions for Transit Dispute

Tyrol's Governor Mattle was pleased in a response to the APA about the "clear commitment" of Söder and Stocker to the slot system and the "rapid implementation of the Brenner Base Tunnel including the northern access." Political solutions are needed. "The slot system helps to avoid traffic jams with bookable time slots and makes block handling obsolete. Therefore, I am pleased about the support from Bavaria and Vienna," explained Mattle. However, Tyrol will continue to adhere to its measures against excessive transit, "until people, nature, and infrastructure are no longer so heavily burdened by transit traffic." "We are tough on the matter, but constructive in our approach," added the regional leader. Therefore, an agreement was also reached with Bavaria to seek "joint solutions in the interest of the population."

SPÖ Transport Provincial Councilor René Zumtobel stated to the APA that Tyrol has completed its tasks regarding the truck slot system. Now, Italy and Germany must enable the "next steps for implementation." Regarding the BBT feeder routes, Zumtobel urged the necessary decision by the German Bundestag so that "something finally progresses here." After Söder's "clear commitment," the "route determination and the start of construction should follow as soon as possible."

Meanwhile, the opposition Tyrolean Greens criticized. "The Tyroleans are fed up with these fruitless transit summits and grand announcements. It is a transit summit that has been disappointing across the board," said their state spokesperson Gebi Mair in a statement regarding the Stocker/Söder meeting. Stocker "let himself be led by the nose": "And Governor Mattle was not even invited."

Söder thanks Austria for migration policy

The Bavarian Prime Minister explicitly praised the Chancellor for Austria's strict migration policy. On this issue, Germany had long been a brake and is now undergoing a change of direction itself. "Thank you for your migration policy, this is the central challenge," said Söder. The cooperation between the German and Austrian border police is working excellently. Söder also advocated for deportation flights to Afghanistan, especially for criminals.

Stocker emphasized that Greece is currently particularly affected by illegal migration. However, this is a European problem, "we must be in solidarity and solve it together." Austria wants to talk with the countries of origin and limit the causes of flight while also protecting the external borders. Meanwhile, there are 21 out of 27 like-minded EU states on the issue of migration. The planned EU return regulation will lead to a de-escalation, and third-country definitions are also necessary to get the problem under control. Stocker defended his initiative for a stricter interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights. "Every legal provision is always subject to change," he emphasized.

Söder: "Vienna is closer to Munich than Berlin"

Stocker and Söder emphasized the good neighborly, friendly relations between Austria and Bavaria. Bavaria is the most important partner for the Austrian export economy, said the Chancellor. "Vienna is closer to Munich than Berlin," said Söder. The Bavarian Prime Minister offered a "strategic dialogue" to work more closely together on innovative economic projects. Söder has been at the helm of the Free State of Bavaria since 2018. He is also the chairman of the ÖVP sister party CSU. Stocker traveled to Germany for his first official visit at the end of June and met in Berlin with his counterpart Merz from the inner-German CSU sister party CDU.

(APA/Red)

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