Malta at loggerheads with Brussels over aviation fuel, noise

Brussels warned Malta today to come in line with its directives on competition in the aviation fuel sector and on environmental noise legislation or risk being taken to the European Court of Justice.

In its warning on the supply of fuel and oil products at Malta International Airport, the European Commission said that Malta airport did not conform with EU directives.

The rules transposing the directive in Malta include a limitation on the opening-up of the market to two suppliers as well as the launching of a European call for tender for their selection. Moreover, the Commission said that the conditions under which the two suppliers were selected was not fully in conformity with the directive.

In addition, the Maltese authorities did not organise an independent verification of the separation of accounts even though one of the two suppliers of fuel handling services was also the manager of the storage and fuel supply facilities.

Brussels gave Malta two months to respond and act.

With regards to environmental noise, the Commission said it was issuing its second warning to Malta calling upon the island to fulfil its obligations under Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise.

According to the Commission, Malta has failed to draw up strategic noise maps.

The Noise Directive sets out a common approach to avoid, prevent or reduce the harmful effects of exposure to environmental noise.

Under the Directive, member states are to measure environmental noise (using a standard methodology and standard indicators) to draw up strategic noise maps for major urban agglomerations, roads, airports and railways. In this case Brussels gave Malta just one month to respond.

Ivan Camilleri
The Times of Malta
24.06.10