The Member States of the European Union could a priori reach a political agreement ('general approach') on the revision of Directive 2006/1/EC on the use of vehicles hired without drivers for the carriage of goods by road at the meeting of the EU Council in ‘Transport’ training on 6 June.
This is what emerged from the latest discussions in the EU Council's ‘land transport’ working party. These discussions, based on the draft compromise put forward by the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the EU last January, which has already been the subject of several debates (see EUROPE 12233/6), echo the European Commission's proposal of May 2017 as part of the first ‘mobility’ package (see EUROPE 11799/6).
While differences between the different national delegations are still visible, particularly on certain tax and control aspects, it would seem that a general approach for June is a likely option as of today.
This issue should be on the agenda of the meeting of Member States' ambassadors to the European Union (Committee of the Permanent Representatives - Coreper) on 15 May. Bucharest could publish a new draft compromise to clarify some details in advance of this Coreper. And a debate on several open points could take place between the transport ministers at their meeting on 6 June, before a possible political agreement is adopted.
The dossier on the electronic exchange of information in freight is also said to be on the right track and would therefore suggest a possible general approach for June (see EUROPE 12243/9). Exchanges must also continue on the streamlining measures for advancing the realisation of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) (see EUROPE 12240/1).
On the other hand, the discussions will not be successful regarding rail passengers’ rights and obligations (see EUROPE 12242/5) as well as in regard to the revision of Directive 1999/62/EC on road infrastructure user charges (see EUROPE 12239/25). The Romanian Presidency has put forward, for these two dossiers, first draft progress reports which will be examined by the EU Council’s ‘land transport’ working party on 13 and 14 May. (Original version in French by Lucas Tripoteau)