Finland applies for an extension of the COVID-19 derogations from the EU

Ministry of Transport and Communications
Publication date 27.5.2021 11.36
Press release

Finland applies for an extension from the European Commission of the derogations that were adopted due to the COVID-19 epidemic for professional qualifications in road transport, licences in railway transport, and for maritime safety and security. The extension is considered necessary due to the unforeseeable development of the epidemic.

The extension applied for to the current derogations is until 31 October 2021. The Government decided on the matter in its session on 27 May 2021.

In road transport, the derogations apply to the professional qualification requirements for a lorry, bus or coach driver.

In rail transport, the derogations apply to train driver's licence and complementary certificate, railway operator's licence, temporary licence and safety certificate as well as to safety licence of rail infrastructure managers.

In maritime transport, the extensions will apply to the deadlines of security assessments and drills of port facilities.

In addition, the validity of certain other derogations due to the COVID-19 epidemic is proposed to be extended until 31 December 2021. The derogations concern pilotage, maritime transport and public transport services.

What next?

The Ministry of Transport and Communications will send a letter to the Commission informing of the Finnish government decision to apply for an extension to the exceptional arrangements due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ministry will inform its stakeholders once the Commission has issued its decision.

Inquiries

Road transport: Saara Louko, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 50 326 4741

Railway transport: Risto Saari, Senior Adviser, tel. +358 40 829 8132

Maritime transport: Suvi Kankare, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 50 478 4743