Transport Council (Hansard, 16 March 2004)

§ Mr. Darling

The transport session of the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council met in Brussels on 9 March. I represented the UK.

The Council was unable to reach a General Approach on the proposed amendment to Directive 1999/62/EC on the charging of lorries for the use of certain roads (the 'Eurovignette' Directive). The Presidency tabled a compromise package in an attempt to reach agreement. Following some debate, there was a general willingness to accept most aspects of the compromise. However, the Commissioner insisted that compulsory hypothecation of toll revenues be part of the package. While some Ministers supported this, the UK was among a majority of member states which opposed it. The Presidency concluded that the Council would have to return to the subject at a future date.

The Commission presented a third rail package, comprising proposals on: liberalisation of international passenger transport; train driver licensing and crew certification; passenger rights for international services; and minimum standards for freight transport. These proposals will now be considered in detail, with a view to agreement at a later Council.

The Commission gave a progress report on air transport negotiations with the US, which aim to achieve a Transatlantic Open Aviation Area (OAA). The Presidency invited comments from Ministers, which would provide guidance for the next stage. In the Commission's view, the present US offer was inadequate and balanced in the US's favour. Nevertheless, the Commission believed that it would be appropriate to try to reach a partial agreement by the end of the year, accompanied by a strong commitment by the US to negotiate a further stage. I agreed that the present offer was unbalanced and argued that if it were agreed there would be no incentive for the US to engage in further negotiations. It would also set a bad precedent for the EU's aviation relations with other third countries. A genuine OAA offered enormous opportunities for both EU and US airlines and should be pursued with determination. Most member states agreed that the current offer was not balanced and that the Commission should continue negotiating for a better outcome. The Presidency concluded that COREPER and the Special Committee should monitor developments in the next round of negotiations.

The Commission reported further on external relations in aviation. Discussions continued with Romania and Bulgaria on entry into the European Common Aviation Area, and would be extended to the Western Balkans. Contacts with other neighbouring countries were being undertaken. The Commission was talking to Australia, New Zealand and Singapore under its restricted horizontal mandate for negotiations with third countries, and other countries would follow. The Council took note, and referred the issue to COREPER and working groups for consideration.

The Commission reported on the agreement reached with the US on cooperation in satellite navigation systems, key elements being compatibility and interoperability between GPS and Galileo. Council Conclusions on Galileo were adopted, welcoming progress, and looking forward to expected decisions by the end of the year on the deployment and operational phases of the project.

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Under AOB, there were a number of maritime items. France presented its two sea motorway projects. The Commission indicated its support for sea motorway schemes to facilitate links between ports. Belgium underlined the significance of the recent agreement in the IMO of a Convention on ballast water. The Commission noted that the Convention was a major step forward, and said it would push for member states to ratify it as soon as possible. Spain raised its concerns over the 6-month indicative ratification for the Protocol to the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund (IOPC). Spain also noted that not all member states had yet transposed Vessel Traffic monitoring Directive 2002/59/EC, and that the lack of a uniform approach endangered maritime safety. Spain further insisted that a common approach was needed towards parties responsible for oil pollution, including owners.

The Commission reported on digital tachographs. The deadline for installation to relevant vehicles is August this year. As it is accepted that this cannot be met, a co-decision proposal for revision of the date is needed. In the interim, the Commission will be issuing a letter confirming that a moratorium of between eight and 12 months would be granted.

Also under AOB, the Commission reported on the revised Commission proposal on harmonised operational safety standards and administrative procedures in civil aviation. The Presidency concluded that work would start at the technical level with a report expected at the next Transport Council.

No votes were taken at this Council.