On 13 July 2026, the Council of the European Union adopted a decision empowering Austria to amend its bilateral road transport agreement with Switzerland, authorising cabotage operations during international coach and bus passenger services in their border regions. The legislative act, under interinstitutional file 2025/0407 (COD), was approved at the 4190th Council meeting (Agriculture and Fisheries) in Brussels, following endorsement by Coreper, Part 1, on 8 July 2026. This decision allows Austria to negotiate with Switzerland to permit coach and bus operators to pick up and drop off passengers within the other country's border area while operating an international service, a practice currently restricted under EU cabotage rules. The empowerment is limited to border regions between the two countries and does not extend to the entire territory. The Council's adoption formalises the EU's consent, as the bilateral agreement falls under EU competence in transport policy. Austria may now proceed with negotiations with Switzerland, and any resulting agreement would need to be consistent with EU law.
The decision impacts Austrian and Swiss coach and bus operators, who could gain new market opportunities in border areas, potentially increasing competition and service options for passengers. However, it may also raise concerns about market distortion for local operators in the border regions. The European Parliament had previously given its consent to the decision. The Council's website will publish any statements or explanations of vote under transparency provisions.