On Thursday 19 and Friday 20 September, Europe’s transport ministers will hold an informal meeting in Budapest, Hungary, to discuss the sector’s competitiveness and the future of rail transport (see EUROPE 13443/10).
The second day will be devoted to thematic discussions. The ministers will first discuss the EU’s competitiveness, “one of the main priorities of the Hungarian Presidency”, according to the programme it provides. They will discuss areas for improvement, identify the necessary measures and define the tools required to implement them. “We believe that the ministerial debate could serve as a valuable platform for developing, ahead of the initiatives expected from the European Commission 2024-29, the transport components of the ‘New Competitiveness Deal’ and for implementing the recommendations of Enrico Letta’s report”, stressed Hungary (see EUROPE 13474/1, 13394/10).
To facilitate collective reflection, delegations from the Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) states, as well as representatives of various EU institutions and organisations, will be present. The ministers will have the opportunity to exchange views on possible modes of cooperation, on support measures towards a green and digital transport sector and on the financial aspects of the sector.
Finally, participants will have the opportunity to discuss the measures and strategies needed at EU level to create a high-speed rail network and improve connections between rural areas (see EUROPE 13476/13). (Original version in French by Anne Damiani)