Brussels, 20/03/2012 (Agence Europe) - During the first Transport Council under the Danish Presidency, on Thursday 22 March, Denmark plans to reach general guidelines on two major legislative texts: the future trans-European transport network (TEN-T) and review of the directive on ground handling services, which is part of a broader legislative package on airports. Under “miscellaneous”, discussion will cover the follow-up to be given to the wreck of the Costa Concordia and to the international criticism on ETS in aviation. Neither is it to be ruled out that the Commission will raise the sensitive subject of gigaliners (also known as “super lorries” or “megatrucks”)
Trans-European Transport Network. The 27 EU member states could reach agreement on an overall approach to TEN-T. The document would mainly concern the maps, methodology and delays proposed by the Commission. Member states would prefer 2050 to be an indicative date for accomplishing the global network, and for 2030 to be maintained for the central network, except in the event of serious financial problems, which could possibly be assessed in 2023. A number of delegations, such as those from Spain and Portugal, would like to make some additions to the maps, and discussion may lead to some agreement on this. The budget and the Connecting Europe Facility will not be tackled in the general guidelines.
Ground handling services. In the airport package proposed by the Commission last year, the Danish Presidency chose to work mainly on ground handling services (e.g. luggage, refuelling), which should be more open to competition. The general guidelines should establish the prices, market opening to three service providers, sub-contracting to independent service providers, and the use of airport infrastructure. Germany, Austria and the United Kingdom are reported to be the delegations that have the most demands in this area.
Maritime and air safety, and gigaliners. Under “miscellaneous”, the Commission will brief member states on the Commission's state of progress on maritime safety, further to the wreck of the Costa Concordia, and the lessons to be drawn. The Italian delegation may also submit a presentation on this. Still under “miscellaneous”, the Commission will brief EU27 delegations on the system for trading emissions credits applied to aviation, which has caused discontent in third countries (China, India, USA especially), all the more as discussions underway at the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) may result in an overall solution, said the Danish Presidency when presenting the agenda of the Transport Council. Rumour has it that Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas may also brief member states on reinterpretation of the European legislation that would give national governments the freedom to authorise, or otherwise, the crossborder use of super lorries. This point does not appear on the Council agenda, but it is not to be ruled out that it may be added at the very last minute. (MD/transl.jl)