Brussels, 08/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - This week, rapporteurs presented their draft report on the 4th railway package to the Parliamentary transport committee. MEPs had their first exchange of views on the whole package, regulation by regulation.
Rapporteur Mathieu Grosch (EPP, Belgium) focuses on the allocation of public service contracts within the framework of opening up the national railway passenger markets. In his report, he insists that the appropriate authorities justify their decisions on public services to users and companies. He says that “it's not up to us to interfere” and also supports the idea that “systems that are working well should not be undermined by this text”. He introduces the notion of reciprocity in his report, in an effort to ensure fair competition, particularly with third countries. Above all, the rapporteur is suggesting that the transition period be extended from 2022 to 2029, with two more years if contracts are still ongoing. He explained that he wanted to “prevent contracts that were ongoing being broken in order to adapt to new legislation. My aim was not to prolong things”. Nonetheless, several MEPs remain sceptical about this approach.
Rapporteur Saïd El Khadraoui (S&D, Belgium) explained that, in the context of opening up the domestic passenger markets and governance, public service contracts should not be “undermined” by competition. He also underlines the need for greater flexibility so that member states could “develop their own vision by taking into account the network, its density and size” in order to have a system that works in all member states. He adds that “we need to find a sort of middle way. It is possible to have unified structures. The transparency principle should not be touched and cross subsidies should be avoided”. MEPs' opinions still differ on the matter. With regard to public service, the rapporteur suggests another option that leaves the possibility for operators who win a tender to have exclusive rights. He says, too, that he would like to have the powers of the regulator enhanced, with ex ante conditions for monitoring price increases and the transfer of staff. He is also proposing a Europe-level dialogue and the introduction of integrated ticket offices.
The third rapporteur on railway governance, Jaromir Kohlicek (GUE/NGL, Czech Republic) presented his draft report on the Commission-proposed abrogation to the regulation on standardising railway operators' accounts. The rapporteur is of the opinion that it would be better to push back the date of this abrogation or indeed introduce a transition period before adapting national legislation.
The technical pillar in the 4th railway package includes the draft report by Izaskun Bilbao Barandica (ALDE, Spain) on interoperability. The rapporteur calls for the European Railway Agency to be strengthened and has made proposals for a transition deadline and work programme, based on the example of the European Aviation Safety Agency.
The rapporteur on railway safety, Michael Kramer (Greens/EFA, Germany) is requesting that a “culture of safety” be developed, as well as good cooperation between all the different operators involved at both Community and national levels. He explained that “a single certificate is needed but the national authorities must continue to fulfil their role”.
Finally, Roberts Zile (ECR, Latvia), the rapporteur on the European Railway Agency, which is expected to have its powers increased, warned against an exclusive role for the European Railway Agency. He said that this would destroy the ability to regulate the relationship between the agency and national authorities. He is hoping to find an agreement on the transition period, spending and the amount that could be received for providing services. He also highlighted the question of language, so that requests could be processed in all European languages.
The draft reports have now been presented and amendments will have to be submitted by 16 September, to be voted on in committee at the end of November and in plenary in January 2014. (MD/transl.fl)