EU – Baltic States, Legislation, Lithuania, Transport, Wages

"As of the beginning of the year, Germany's imposed minimum wage law applies to both – foreign companies operating in Germany and foreign drivers carrying out international transport operations of goods and passengers via Germany. I am concerned that this law may set a precedent for unfair competition, which will have a direct negative impact on our carriers," said Rimantas Sinkevicius.

The new law provides that foreign carrier companies are obliged to register through a written report and submit a list of employees and documents demonstrating that carrier drivers operating in Germany or transiting Germany are paid the minimum country's wage – EUR 8.5 per hour. If this information is not submitted to the German customs authorities, Lithuanian carriers can be fined with EUR 30,000 penalty.

In addition, the minister expressed his concern that in recent year a number of restrictive measures were introduced, thus, creating more barriers for free movement of goods and services. As one of the examples a new legislation implying restrictions for a regular weekly rest on board of the vehicles adopted by France and Belgium was mentioned.