Brussels, 08/12/2011 (Agence Europe) - While it comes as no surprise that the overhaul of the rail package is on the agenda of the last Transport Council under Polish Presidency on Monday 12 December, other issues will give rise to discussion: the trans-European transport network (TEN-T), the future map of which was recently unveiled, and the updating of the tachograph regulation. Other - more sensitive - matters, such as emissions credits for aviation and the single European sky, where member states are dragging their feet, will feature in the other business section.
Recast of rail package. The Council will begin with the adoption of a first reading position on the rail package, which further opens the rail market to competition. New developments on this issue are not expected. The European Parliament having adopted its first reading position in November, the Council position is, therefore, awaited, but it has changed little since the general approach was agreed in June. Only slight reworking has been brought to the text to reflect the amendments adopted by the Parliament. Adoption should pave the way for the opening of talks with the Parliament to bring the positions together in a definitive text in second reading.
Trans-European transport network. The Polish Presidency will present a progress report on its discussions on the intermodal issue of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T). Since the Commission was late in bringing forward new guidelines for the TEN-T, not enough time has been left for the Council's preparatory bodies to examine the proposals on the core network (for 2030) and its 10 corridors, and the comprehensive network (for 2050). It would seem clear that there will be closer consideration of certain points of concern to the delegations in the future: costs and timescale for completion, for instance, along with the spread of corridors across the regions. Member states feel that, in drawing up a map, the Commission has infringed on national government sovereignty. In similar vein, member states would like to see the power delegated to the Commission for updating the annexes to the guidelines limited in time and to be the sole valid interlocutors (the legal form of a regulation is directly addressed to all potential stakeholders, including regional and local authorities and private bodies).
Partial general approach on tachographs. The issue of amendment of the tachograph regulation (tachographs record time professional drivers spend driving and so allow respect for rest time rules to be monitored) will still not be resolved at this Council. Only a partial general approach will be reached and will not cover the proposed provision on merging the driving licence with the driver card used with the tachograph. Issues that might still need further discussion by ministers include exemptions from using the tachograph, penalties, and the date from which newly registered vehicles will have to be equipped with the new smart tachograph connected to a global satellite navigation system.
Training of seafarers. The Council will seek a general approach on an update of a 2008 directive defining the minimum level of training for seafarers, with a view to aligning the EU legislation with standards adopted by the International Maritime Organisation. These include standards for medical fitness and fitness for duty, including as regards alcohol abuse, security-related training for all seafarers, certification and prevention of fraudulent practices relating to certificates.
Aviation. In the “Other Business” section, the Commission and Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas will have their work cut out on aviation as they will be asked to brief the Council on the recent airport package (see EUROPE 10506), the latest developments in the European single sky, aviation safety, air cargo security and, at the request of the Finnish delegation, the emissions trading scheme. (MD/transl.rt)