Member States' transport ministers will meet in Brussels on Monday 2 December to discuss the digitalisation of transport and the future of the Single European Sky (SES).
Digitalisation of transport. In the morning, ministers will hold a policy debate on the potential for the digitalisation of transport to make this sector more sustainable, thereby helping the European Union achieve its emissions targets.
They will discuss the digital transformation of transport - including automation - which, according to the Finnish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, may make it possible to develop passenger transport services that are not only safer and more inclusive, but also cleaner and more efficient.
More specifically, the aim of their discussions will be to reflect on additional measures that the EU should take to support the development of sustainable digital transport services across Europe.
Single European Sky. In the afternoon, the ministers will have a second debate that will include Eamonn Brennan, Director General of Eurocontrol, the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation, with the aim of devising guidance on the future of the Single European Sky (SES).
The objective behind the European Commission's Single European Sky initiative, which was launched in 1999, was to improve the overall operation of air traffic management and air navigation services.
However, since December 2014, the SES2+ package to accelerate implementation of the Single European Sky has been blocked in the Council of the EU, mainly because Member States have not been able to find a solution to the controversial issue of Gibraltar airport.
Madrid is demanding that this airport not be covered by European legislation until the question of the sovereignty of the small British territory that Spain has been claiming for more than three centuries has been resolved.
Adoption of political agreements likely. Ministers will be invited to establish their position ('general approach') on three issues: (1) revision of Regulation (1371/2007) on rail passengers' rights and obligations (see EUROPE 11872/6); (2) creation of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) (see EUROPE 12022/12); (3) revision of Directive (1999/62) on road infrastructure user charges (the 'Eurovignette' Directive) (see EUROPE 11798/7).
While it is almost certain that they will reach a political agreement ('general approach') on the first two issues (see EUROPE 12373/24), doubts remain about adoption of a general approach on revision of the 'Eurovignette' Directive (see EUROPE 12373/12).
Over lunch, ministers will also discuss the promotion of alternative fuels, i.e. alternatives to oil such as compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), electricity, biofuels and hydrogen.
Finally, various other items will be discussed, including information provided by the Finnish Presidency of the Council of the EU regarding the Commission's proposal on seasonal time changes (see EUROPE 12094/10), an issue where no progress is currently being made (see EUROPE 12272/4, 12151/6). (Original version in French by Damien Genicot)