Germany is pressing ahead with its plan to charge foreign drivers who use the country’s autobahn network, but the European Commission is challenging the decision.
The toll was agreed last year by the German parliament. The charge would apply to both foreign and domestic users up to €130 a year, but German residents would get it back through a rebate on their car insurance.
The European Commission said the toll discriminates against foreign drivers and, therefore, violates EU law.
"It is the Commission's duty – as Guardian of the Treaties – to ensure that such charges do not discriminate between domestic and foreign drivers in the EU," the Commission wrote in a statement.
The Commission says it will take the matter to the European Court of Justice unless Germany reforms the concept within two months.
But Germany does not seem to be willing to lie down and roll over.
“We are armed and prepared for the confrontation with the Court of Justice,” transport minister Alexander Dobrindt said. “The sooner, the better.”
“In the past few months, I have more than clearly stated that I cannot accept stalling tactics.”
He had earlier said that the toll is “important, urgent and necessary” to raise an estimated €500 million for roadway infrastructure.
Dobrindt is a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CSU), the party which made the toll part of its platform for agreeing to a coalition government.
