An emergency meeting of EU transport ministers called to discuss soaring oil prices ended last night (20 September) without agreement on a common approach because of arguments over tax policy

Date: 21/09/00

After seven hours of talks, ministers rejected a joint declaration drafted by the French presidency which included a reference to harmonising fuel taxes across the Union. This was fiercely opposed by many member states and France was instead forced to issue a statement simply sum-marising the discussions. But ministers did agree to create a European forum where the road haulage industry and government representatives could discuss the problems facing the sector. France has also called for a meeting between the EU, the US and OPEC producers. Meanwhile, the Commission confirmed plans to hold talks with national authorities next Friday (29 September) to discuss ways of ensuring competition in the oil sector.