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BackThe Estonian EU Commissioner Siim Kallas announced before the Members of the Transport Committee in the European Parliament a number of new transport initiatives for the coming years. The Commission would attach an important role to the transport sector said the Commissioner. It would be, among others, the objective to remove bottlenecks in the technological sector of the internal market and with regard to the infrastructure.
A White Paper on the future of transport would be presented before the end of December at the latest. This would consider the aim of removing barriers for the internal market in the EU, the promotion of new technologies and the improvement of the infrastructure. One objective, for example, would be the introduction of so-called “integrated ticketing”, i.e. the ability to buy a ticket, which would be valid for different means of transport and in different countries. Kallas, however, did not go into any detail when this plan could become reality. The EU Transport Commissioner announced a Communication before the end of the year, concerning rights for various means of transport.
With regard to Trans-European networks, a review is planned before the end of next year as part of the coming framework programme, whereby the focus will be on a core network with green and innovative technologies. Kallas’ replied to the question of some MEPs regarding the financing of the EU transport projects that a linkage of the TEN projects with resources from the structural funds should also be possible.
A review of the so-called First Railway Package has been planned for September. This will contain environmental measures such as noise reduction, new provisions for the regulatory authorities and the opening up of passenger transport.
Kallas also announced a package of measures for the air transport sector, which will also be published before the end of the year. This would include the change of the rules for the allocation of slots and the Ground Handling Directive. As regards to shipping, the Commissioner announced a maritime package for July next year, which should also address the social and educational aspects of maritime personnel.
According to Kallas, the negotiations on reforming the HGV toll (Eurovignette), which should now also include costs for environmental and noise pollution resp. for congestion have currently come to a standstill in the Council. However, the Belgian Presidency, which will be in charge from July, will drive the issue forward again. Both opponents and supporters of the monster trucks (weight up to 60 tons and a possible length of more than 25 m) asked the Transport Commissioner whether plans existed to publish a draft proposal. However, Kallas refused to be drawn on the matter.
Disappointing was the statement of the EU Transport Commissioner on the current negotiations on the Working Time Directive in mobile road transport. The Commission would hold its position to exempt self-employed drivers from the area of application of the Directive. A withdrawal of the proposal was currently not for discussion; however, he would be open for compromises. This means that he indirectly sides with the parliamentary rapporteur Edit Bauer, who currently negotiates a compromise on this Directive with the Council without having a mandate of the European Parliament.
With regard to Trans-European networks, a review is planned before the end of next year as part of the coming framework programme, whereby the focus will be on a core network with green and innovative technologies. Kallas’ replied to the question of some MEPs regarding the financing of the EU transport projects that a linkage of the TEN projects with resources from the structural funds should also be possible.
A review of the so-called First Railway Package has been planned for September. This will contain environmental measures such as noise reduction, new provisions for the regulatory authorities and the opening up of passenger transport.
Kallas also announced a package of measures for the air transport sector, which will also be published before the end of the year. This would include the change of the rules for the allocation of slots and the Ground Handling Directive. As regards to shipping, the Commissioner announced a maritime package for July next year, which should also address the social and educational aspects of maritime personnel.
According to Kallas, the negotiations on reforming the HGV toll (Eurovignette), which should now also include costs for environmental and noise pollution resp. for congestion have currently come to a standstill in the Council. However, the Belgian Presidency, which will be in charge from July, will drive the issue forward again. Both opponents and supporters of the monster trucks (weight up to 60 tons and a possible length of more than 25 m) asked the Transport Commissioner whether plans existed to publish a draft proposal. However, Kallas refused to be drawn on the matter.
Disappointing was the statement of the EU Transport Commissioner on the current negotiations on the Working Time Directive in mobile road transport. The Commission would hold its position to exempt self-employed drivers from the area of application of the Directive. A withdrawal of the proposal was currently not for discussion; however, he would be open for compromises. This means that he indirectly sides with the parliamentary rapporteur Edit Bauer, who currently negotiates a compromise on this Directive with the Council without having a mandate of the European Parliament.