On Monday 25 January 2016, Minister of Sustainable Development and Infrastructure, François Bausch, was in Brussels to present the 'Transport' section of the report on the Luxembourg Presidency of the Council of the EU.
During his presentation to the Transport Committee of the European Parliament, Minister Bausch claimed that the objective of focusing on certain major priority issues had been achieved, above all in the legislative field of the politically sensitive proposals of the 4th railway package. These two texts were highly controversial, as they affect both the internal organisation of railway undertakings and infrastructure managers and the thorny issue of introducing competition in the public service contracts of national passenger services.
4th Railway Package
A unanimous political agreement, the stated purpose for the market component, was reached at the Council of 8 October 2015. The compromise texts were then discussed with the European Parliament in three trialogues of which the future Dutch Presidency formed part. François Bausch warned that any changes to the text made ahead of the next trialogue meetings, due to take place later this week, could lead to a loss of support from the delegations.
"Four eyes see more than two," the Minister commented. "I think we should combine the expertise and realism of the Council as well as the vision and perspective of the European Parliament to get the best result."
Inland Navigation
The Luxembourg Presidency opened negotiations on the draft directive concerning the technical requirements for inland navigation, but a compromise solution has not yet been reached. This however could be likely under the Dutch Presidency.
Aviation
In the field of aviation, the Minister determined that a political stalemate still persisted around Gibralter and affected some European cases but nevertheless confirmed that Parliament should act in this area and current regulations should be reviewed, especially with regard to the proposal on passenger rights. The Dutch Presidency is due to focus mainly on the Aviation Strategy presented by the Commission in December 2015, for which Minister Bausch has expressed concern several times.
Policy Discussions
Minister Bausch initiated two major policy debates: on the broad lines of the European transport policy in October 2015, based on the White Paper of 2011; and the social aspects and safety in road transport in December, following the Commission's initiatives relating to road transport.
"We have not forgotten that road safety continues to be a priority of our common action," the Minister stated. "I had a very inspiring and honest discussion with my counterparts on our best practices." The idea of a European points permit was addressed and targets were set in reducing the number of serious injuries sustained.
Informal Council on Bicycles
In the spirit of promoting less pollutant modes of transport, the Luxembourg Presidency held an informal meeting in the Grand Duchy dedicated to the bicycle, at which Ministers and Secretaries of State for Transport were in attendance. Following the informal meeting, the Ministers adoped a declaration on the bicycle as a mode of transport, discussing the effectiveness of such a vehicle in daily trips, as well as its societal, ecological and economic impact in the European Union.
"The bike will not solve our problems, but it can contribute," the Minister remarked.
Photo by eu2015lu.eu/Luc Deflorenne (L-R: Michael Cramer, Chair of the Transport and Tourism Committee (European Parliament) ; François Bausch, Minister for Sustainable Development and Infrastructure (Luxembourg))
