Brussels, 04/10/2011 (Agence Europe) - With discussions on tachographs, the opening of negotiations with Azerbaijan and Eurocontrol, and conclusions on cooperation with neighbouring regions, the Transport Council of Thursday 6 October is looking to be somewhat run-of-the-mill - unless, that is, comments from the Commission on the emissions trading scheme (ETS) provokes serious reactions from member states.
At the request of the German delegation, the Commission will have to give an update on the situation following the inclusion of the aviation sector in the CO2 emissions trading scheme in January. Several non-EU countries are critical of this system: a statement drafted on the initiative of India and jointly signed by 25 countries is currently circulating and is expected shortly to be submitted to the Commission, and US airlines have already begun legal proceedings against this European legislation. This highly sensitive issue will be discussed under “other business”.
Still with aviation, the Council is expected to give the Commission approval to launch negotiations with Azerbaijan on an air transport agreement, and with Eurocontrol, the European Organisation for Safety of Air Navigation, to establish a general framework for enhanced cooperation, particularly for the implementation of the Single European Sky.
Tachograph. Member states will exchange experiences on the use of the tachograph (used by professional drivers to monitor compliance with rules on working and rest time). Transport ministers will also present the improvements they would like to see brought to the system, and will comment on the Commission proposal, set out in July, to restrict fraud over the coming year (see EUROPE 10423).
Neighbourhood. The Council will adopt conclusions calling for improved cooperation on transport with the regions bordering on the EU. These conclusions come in response to a Commission communication published n July, outlining a raft of measures to be taken to enhance transport connections with neighbouring regions. They relate mainly to improving infrastructure, infrastructure integration and interoperability, and the ability of neighbouring countries to apply EU standards.
No Interbus agreement. The Council agenda initially contained an item on the Interbus Agreement on international passenger transport by coach or bus. This item has been removed, as the member states have not had sufficient time to find a compromise that could be adopted at this Council. It is, however, likely, that this agreement will be approved even before the next Transport Council in December. (MD/transl.rt)