French Communists and Greens slam EU plans to introduce ‘tractor permits’

French Communist and Green lawmakers have called on EU lawmakers to oppose in next week’s vote the introduction of new permits for driving tractors as part of the revised EU driving licence directive.

While a car licence is sufficient in most countries to drive an agricultural vehicle, the revision of the Driving Licence Directive proposes eight new licences specifically for tractors.

“The introduction of a “tractor licence”, just a few weeks after the outbreak of farmers’ anger in France and across Europe, does not meet the aspirations and expectations of those who provide food”, the French Communist Party (PCF) stressed in a press release published Thursday.

The new directive on driving licences, proposed by the European Commission in March 2023 and amended by MEPs since the summer, aims to harmonise, digitise and simplify driving licences.

Among the 198 amendments voted on since July 2023, one involves the creation of eight ‘T’ or ‘tractor’ licences, depending on the size and power of the vehicle. This amendment was proposed by the European People’s Party (EPP) and largely voted through with a view to harmonisation.

This request had been made by CEETTAR, the European Confederation of Agricultural, Rural and Forestry Contractors, which proposed a common tractor driving licence recognised in all EU member states.

Provocation

“At a time when farmers are asking for fewer restrictions, the EPP is imposing a licence for their working tool,” French MEP Karima Delli (Greens/EFA), who is also the rapporteur for the text in the European Parliament, told Euractiv.

“Our aim was absolutely not to create a special permit,” she adds, pointing out that her group either abstained or voted against this amendment.

Contacted by Euractiv, the EPP responded that a T-permit is “essential for the mutual recognition of agricultural vehicle permits across the EU”. “A single category would address the patchwork of existing legislation, facilitate cross-border activities and ensure a level playing field for workers,” the group added.

In particular, Delli fears that a tractor licence, which does not exist in France, would prevent young people over 16 – old enough to hold a licence – from working on farms.

For Léon Deffontaines, leader of the Communist list in the European elections, this directive is “a real provocation”. “The European Union is showing how out of touch it is with the expectations of the citizens of the member states,” he added.

The text will be debated and voted on at the European Parliament’s plenary session on 27 February. The Communists, with the support of rapporteur Karima Delli, plan to table an amendment aimed at abolishing these new permits and excluding tractors from the directive.

(Hugo Struna | Euractiv.fr)