Press Release: Ports: Commission asks Lithuania to abolish the priority right for leasing public port land

The European Commission has sent a reasoned opinion to Lithuania for maintaining a priority right for cargo-handling operators renewing their port land lease contract upon its expiry.

Cargo-handling operators from other Member States wishing to establish themselves in Lithuania might be discouraged from doing so because of the barrier this provision raises on the market for cargo-handling services.

This is the second stage in the infringement procedure. If Lithuania fails to react satisfactorily, the Commission may refer the matter to the EU Court of Justice.