Brussels, 02/09/2014 (Agence Europe) - The Council is expected to move at the double into tackling the political chapter in the 4th railway package, when the summer recess comes to an end. At the end of September, the lie of the land will also be carefully examined in view of the trilogue negotiations on the technical chapter.
The Italian presidency has not concealed its wish to push forward discussions on the political aspects of the railway reform and perhaps obtain an agreement at the Council by the end of the year. The work that resumed on this subject by the European delegations therefore, at the same time, tackles the questions of railway infrastructure governance and opening up the passenger transport market. This involves preparing three questions that will be debated on this subject by European ministers during the Transport Council on 8 October.
The technical chapter will not, however, be put back. As the Council was able to reach an agreement on this subject and Parliament already has a negotiating brief for the 4th railway package, progress can be accomplished on this part of the package. The Italian Presidency is therefore hoping to meet the rapporteurs for the three regulations involved (security, certification, European Railway Agency) and begin preparatory work. During this half of the year, trilogue negotiations on this chapter are therefore envisaged, so as to make progress whilst waiting for the Council's comprehensive position on the 4th railway package (the political chapter, in this case). Industry is eagerly waiting for authorisation and certification of rolling stock to be simplified. (MD)