The informal meeting of European transport ministers in Nicosia on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 April will focus on the modernisation of rail transport and the strategic role of European ports. The European Commissioner for Transport, Apóstolos Tzitzikóstas, is expected in Cyprus on Wednesday to attend the meeting.
Despite the recent tensions over aviation kerosene prices, linked to the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, measures concerning air transport, notably the ‘AccelerateEU’ plan (see EUROPE 13854/1) or the European Commission’s future guidelines for the sector (see EUROPE B13854A2), are not on the meeting agenda at this stage.
Rail transport. On Wednesday morning, the ministers will discuss the interoperability of European rail systems. The focus will be on the efficiency, predictability and coordination of certification and authorisation procedures, which are regularly criticised by players in the sector. This is despite the progress made in the fourth railway package and the strengthening of the role of the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA). Particular attention will also be paid to the deployment of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS).
Maritime transport. On the same day, the ministers will discuss the resilience of port infrastructures, their integration into supply chains and their contribution to military mobility, as well as their links with land transport networks.
At the end of the day, the European ministers responsible for maritime affairs will sign the ‘Nicosia Declaration’, which will focus on improving training for workers and promoting greater gender equality in the maritime sector. (Original version in French by Juliette Verdes)