Brussels, 06/10/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 8 October, the Transport Council in Luxembourg is expected to conclude with an agreement on port reform during the transport ministers' meeting. Ministers will also discuss other themes, including the 4th railway package, drones and highway code offences.
Port package. An agreement between transport ministers on the new regulation for opening up port services to competition and financial transparency in ports is expected to help push forward the European Parliament on this question, which has not as yet established its position. The Transport Council is expected to adopt a general approach on this subject, which does, however, water down the Commission's initial proposal (EUROPE 11166). Ministers will have to decide whether dredging and pilotage services will be covered by future European legislation and to what degree. The Council will have to decide which ports will be affected by these rules (Central and global Trans-European Transport network).
Rail reform. A political debate is expected to begin on the question of opening up railway passenger transport to competition, the allocation of public service contracts, as well as the model of railway governance and the political chapter, which is the most sensitive in the 4th railway package (on the basis of three questions, see EUROPE 11163). The Italian presidency is determined to make progress with this subject.
Drones. An initial debate between ministers is expected to take place on the civilian use of drones, following the Commission communication on this subject that recommended harmonisation of the rules when authorising them in airspace as from 2016. Certain member states already have legislation in this connection. The presidency will facilitate a debate on safety, cooperation between the national authorities and the European Aviation Safety Agency and, above all, respect for private life. Drone technology is significantly advanced and its expansion is being scrutinised with regard to its economic potential.
Single sky. The Italian presidency is also expected to present a progress report on the Single Sky 2+ package. This new package received a mixed welcome from member states and the presidency is expected to examine the remaining points of conflict, such as the separation of certain navigation services and the scope of the network manager. No agreement can, however, be envisaged on this package as long as the dispute over Gibraltar airport continues between Spain and the United Kingdom.
Highway code offences. An uncontroversial general approach will be approved on pursuing cross-border highway code offences. The Commission had to propose a legal basis for this directive, which had already been adopted in 2011 but was opposed by the European Court of Justice. The application of this directive is allowed until 6 May and by then a new legal basis should have been ratified. On Wednesday, ministers are expected to approve it (with adjustments being made for the United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark, which are not affected) and the European Parliament will do likewise over the next few months.
Galileo and MH17. Miscellaneous subjects on the agenda are also expected to cast some light on the failed positioning of the two Galileo satellites that were sent into orbit at the end of last August (information from the European Commission), the continued investigation into the MH17 flight crash in Ukraine last July (Dutch delegation) and the situation involving drivers in the context of the Russian embargo on certain European products (Polish delegation). (MD)