Brussels, 16/01/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 16 January, Commissioner Jacques Barrot spoke to the Press of his three major areas of work for 2006. He wants especially to push technological advances, making it possible to reconcile protection of the environment and mobility. In this context, the Commissioner announced a communication on all the applications of the European radio-navigation system, Galileo, for the end of the year.
Another of Mr Barrot's priorities is the development of trans-European transport and energy infrastructures. Despite difficult budget negotiations, the Commissioner intends jostle his way to finding the means to finance these trans-European networks.
Thirdly, the Commission will be keeping a close eye on how Member States implement measures to improve transport safety. He wants bring out all that is incumbent on Europe in the area, particularly with regard to motor car design, the introduction of digital tachygraphs in lorries and above all the adoption of a legislative proposal to put in place a single European driving licence. He stressed that he really wanted to see such a driving licence, but recognised the difficulties Member States would face in reaching agreement.