The European Commission will be asking the Maltese authorities to provide more information on the price structure of the new bus service to establish whether passengers who do not hold a Maltese ID-card could be discriminated.

Although the government is insisting the new structure, which differentiates between commuters holding a Maltese ID card and those who do not, is not discriminatory because it is based on residence, Brussels does not seem to be so sure this is the case. Replying to questions by The Times, the Commission’s transport spokesman said Brussels was aware of the newly-announced structure but required more information before it could decide whether there was a case of discrimination.

“The first paragraph of article 18 of the Treaty for the Functioning of the European Union prohibits, within the scope of application of the treaty and without prejudice to any special provisions contained therein, any discrimination on grounds of nationality. Differential treatment could be justified only if it is based on objective considerations independent of the nationality of the persons concerned and if it is proportionate to the legitimate aim of the national provisions,” the spokesman said.

The spokesman said the Commission would be asking for further information. European Commissioner John Dalli, responsible for consumer affairs, would not comment saying the matter did not fall within his competence.

In the meantime, sources close to the Commission expressed doubts as to whether the Maltese authorities would be able to justify the different price structure given the various EU rules.