Watch: Malta Pushes Back Against EU Proposal To Lower Driving Age To 17 Years Old
Malta is objecting to a proposal by the European Commission that would lower the driving age across the European Union to 17 on the condition that the driver is accompanied by an adult.
Malta is pushing against the proposal, which was approved by the Council of Ministers earlier today with minor amendments, because the country wants to promote public transport, Minister for Transport Aaron Farrugia said after attending the meeting in Brussels.
The new regulations aim to allow 17-year-olds to drive if accompanied by an adult so they to gain road experience until they turn 18.
The directive hasn’t been completely green-lit yet, it still needs to go through other stages of approval.
Despite disagreeing with this proposal, Malta supported several other road safety measures presented in the Commission’s directive.
Additionally, Malta has urged the European Commission to propose specific actions to prevent carbon leakages and protect European ports. These ports will have to impose an ETS surcharge, which their counterparts in the Mediterranean region do not face.
Farrugia further noted that Malta, Italy, and Spain successfully initiated a debate about the maritime emissions trading system (ETS). From January, the ETS will apply to maritime transport, likely resulting in increased costs for European freight services.
What do you think about the Commission’s proposal?
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