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Agreement on indirect land-use change directive at the Energy Council (13.06.2014)

ielmatzoglou — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 06:19:34 +0000

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At a meeting dedicated to energy policies on 13 June 2014, the Council reached a political agreement on the indirect land-use change directive and discussed key energy issues including energy security and energy prices.

Indirect land use change

The draft directive on indirect land-use change (ILUC) aims to minimise the impact of indirect changes of land use on greenhouse gas emissions, while protecting existing investments in biofuels production.

The text agreed by the Council acknowledges and addresses the ILUC phenomenon, starts a transition to biofuels with lower ILUC risks, and provides a clearer investment perspective while protecting existing investments made.

The political agreement will shortly be followed by the Council's formal adoption of its position at 1st reading.

For more info about the Council’s conclusions, visit the website of the Council of the EU.

Transport, Telecommunications and Energy (TTE)

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Meeting of the Energy Council - Luxembourg (13.06.2014)

Energy Council in Luxembourg (13.06.2014)

ielmatzoglou — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 05:43:36 +0000

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The Council of Energy Ministers, chaired by Greek Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change, Yiannis Maniatis, is taking place in Luxembourg on 13 June. The Council is expected to reach a political agreement on the so-called ILUC (indirect land-use change) directive amending the fuel quality and renewable energy directives. The directive aims to minimise the impact of indirect changes of land use on greenhouse gas emissions, whilst protecting existing investments made in biofuels production.

Ministers will work on the follow-up to the March 2014 European Council. Under this item, they will focus on the Commission briefing on completing the internal energy market, the Commission's presentation of its communication on a “European Energy Security Strategy” and discuss the 2030 climate and energy framework. In addition, the Council is expected to adopt conclusions on “Energy prices, protection of vulnerable consumers and competitiveness”.

Over lunch, ministers will discuss energy matters related to developments in Ukraine and will be briefed by the Secretary General of the Energy Charter, Urban Rusnák, on the relevance of the Energy Charter in this respect.

Networks and information security topped the agenda of the Council οf Telecommunications Ministers (Luxembourg, 6.06.2014)

ekampaki — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 13:00:46 +0000

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Today, 6 June 2014, a meeting of the Council of EU Ministers for Telecommunications took place in Luxembourg, chaired by Greek Deputy Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Networks, Michalis Papadopoulos.

During the Council of Ministers for Telecommunications, Member States expressed their views on how the proposed directive for network and information security can contribute to the organisation of cooperation between Member States in order to achieve the maximum level of cyber security for Europe as a whole. The basic element for improving EU readiness to respond to threats against networks and information security is the cooperation between various existing stakeholders. It was established that there is a general convergence of views as regards most provisions of this Directive, and that such convergence was evident in the progress report of the Council.

Furthermore, as regards the “Regulation on European single market for electronic communications” which is important to the EU, the outcome of the thorough examination so far is clear, as seen in the progress report of the Council. Therefore, future progress will depend on the capacity to identify certain policy sectors that, according to Member States, could provide some added value and contribute to EU progress and development.

The Presidency presented the Member States with two legal documents agreed upon by the Parliament and the Council, i.e. the Regulation on electronic identification and the Directive on broadband (BB) Cost Reduction. These constitute important progress for Europe in the Telecommunications sector, contributing in effect to the European digital vision, and benefiting all European citizens.

The Council was also updated by the Presidency on the proposal for a directive on public sector website accessibility. Specifically, the Presidency noted that it is now possible to have fast progress of this legislation, given the recent issuing of the related EU standard. This is a very sensitive issue and a priority of the Council.

Later, Commission Vice President Ms Neelie Kroes briefed the Council on the progress of the Digital Agenda for Europe, on the basis of most recent results. She made an outline of the current situation towards the completion of the Single Digital Market in 2015, and also of further efforts required for making full use of the Digital Agenda. Before lunch, the Council the formal part of the Council concluded with Italy announcing the priorities of its upcoming Presidency.

The working lunch was dedicated to Internet Governance, a hot issue following the recent NETmundial in Sao Paolo, Brazil, and evolutions in the USA.

Following the end of the Council, Greek Deputy Minister Papadopoulos stated: “Today, the Council had a very productive discussion on essential issues of telecommunications. Ministers expressed constructive views that will promote network security in Europe and the single telecom market in a short time. I wish Italy, which will succeed us in the EU Council Presidency, to have equally positive results as the Greek Presidency”.

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Meeting of the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (TTE) - Day 2, Luxembourg 06.06.2014

Transport & Telecommunications Council (TTE – Luxembourg 5-6.06.2014) - Day 2

ielmatzoglou — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 05:50:07 +0000

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Watch live from 08:30 (CET) here .

Council of EU Transport Ministers concludes in Luxembourg (5.06.2014)

ekampaki — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 12:50:21 +0000

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Today, 5 June 2014, a meeting of the Council of EU Transport Ministers, chaired by Greek Minister of Infrastructure, Transport and Networks, Michalis Chrisochoidis took place in Luxembourg.

The President of the Council, Minister Chrisochoidis, stated: “From the very beginning we had set a target for our Presidency, which is described by our tireless efforts to promote efficient and sustainable transport. All these months we have worked hard towards this direction, aiming to increase economies of scale for transport undertakings (especially railways) across the EU, reduce administrative costs, speed up procedures, avoid discrimination and enhance competition, reduce energy consumption and environmental depreciation. We placed the needs of citizens and societies at the heart of our job on transport policy matters. We will continue to focus our efforts on these tasks up the end of our presidency.”

In the course of the Council, political agreement was achieved on the issues of the 4th railways package’s technical pillar that were examined. With this agreement, which leads towards the adoption of a common regulative framework for the railways, the member states showed once more their willingness to create a common railways transport market.

The 1st point of the 4th railways package’s technical pillar that has been examined by the Council was the Proposal for a Regulation on the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA). With the achieved political agreement, the new Regulation will contribute to the proper functioning of the whole railway system of Europe and clarifying the structure and the legal personality of the ERA, in order for this Agency to become a truly European railway authority in the field of interoperability and security.

The following two points of the technical pillar which have been examined concerned the interoperability and the safety of the rail system within the European Union. The political agreement achieved leads towards removing administrative and technical barriers to increase economies of scale in the railway companies operating in the EU, reduce administrative costs, speed up administrative procedures and avoid disguised discrimination. As far as safety is concerned, the proposal aims at smoothing out differences between member states in principles, different approaches and mindsets that have hampered so far the removal of technical barriers and the establishment of international transport.

A political agreement was also reached on the Directive on weights and dimensions of certain road vehicles circulating within the Community. The text of the Directive as it stands gives considerable potential to improve aerodynamics and vehicle energy efficiency, while, at the same time, improving road safety. It also promotes intermodal transport and enacts specific measures to control overloaded vehicles, using specific technologies. This issue had a political dimension because of border crossing longer vehicles.

In aviation, the Council discussed the following issues: aircraft monitoring, passenger rights, airport charges and maintenance and strengthening of the influence of the EU in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), on the occasion of elections for the latter’s board.
In response to the recent incident of the missing airplane, the Commission informed the member states on key points, timing and method of implementation measures that will constitute a tracking airplanes’ system. Airplane tracking is a matter of consultation with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

In addition to presenting a report regarding the determination of airport charges in member states, the establishment of the Thessaloniki Forum of Regulators of Airport Charges was announced, a Forum that will hold its first meeting in Thessaloniki on 13 June 2014.
EU Ministers of Transport discussed the following issues concerning road and rail transport, namely the presentation of the main points of discussion on issues of road transport, which was the main topic of the Informal Ministerial Transport Council that took place in Athens, on 8 May 2014, the Shift2Rail initiative and the cross-border traffic offenses. On this last point, the Commission stated actions to address the issues raised by the recent decision of the ECJ, which challenged the legal basis of Directive 2011/82 on the cross-border exchange of information on traffic offenses.

Finally, on maritime transport the Council, first, examined the progress report regarding the examination of the proposed Regulation establishing a framework for market access to port services and the financial transparency of ports under the first reading of the Council; second, it adopted conclusions on "Mid-term review of EU policy for the maritime transport sector until 2018 and perspective till 2020."

The Council meeting ended with the presentation of the programme of the Italian Presidency, which will succeed the Greek one as head of the Council of the EU.

Following the conclusion of the meeting, Minister Chrisochoidis stated: “Today the Council had a very productive discussion on a number of files. The excellent cooperation amongst the Ministers resulted in important decisions for the transport sector, the positive results of which will be visible in the near future. I am sure that the Italian Presidency that follows the Greek one will take full advantage of the progress made during the Greek Presidency on various files and will keep up the good work. We wish every success to our Italian colleagues.”

Transport, Telecommunications and Energy (TTE)

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Meeting of the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (TTE) - Day 1, Luxembourg 05.06.2014

Transport & Telecommunications Council (TTE – Luxembourg 5-6.06.2014)

ekampaki — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 11:25:38 +0000

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The last, under Greek Presidency, Transport and Telecommunications (TTE) Council is taking place in Luxembourg on 5 - 6 June. The transport session, on Thursday, 5 June will be chaired by Michalis Chrysochoidis, Greek Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Networks, while the telecommunications session, on 6 June, will be chaired by Greek Deputy Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Networks, Michalis Papadopoulos.

Transport

On 5 June, the Council will be asked to reach political agreement on the draft directives on the interoperability and safety of European railways and the draft regulation on the European Railway Agency. Together, these three legislative acts make up the technical pillar of the fourth railway package.

Ministers will then seek political agreement on new rules for the maximum weights and dimensions of heavy-goods vehicles, buses and coaches, aimed at improving those vehicles' aerodynamics, fuel efficiency and road safety.

In addition, the Council is expected to take note of progress made on a proposed update of the EU rules on air passenger rights as well as on the state of play regarding proposed new rules for market access to port services and financial transparency of ports.

Lastly, the Council is due to adopt conclusions on the mid-term review of the EU’s maritime transport policy to 2018 and outlook to 2020. The conclusions incorporate the Athens Declaration endorsed by maritime transport ministers at their informal meeting on 7 May.

Telecommunications

On Friday, 6 June, the Council will take note of progress made on a draft directive aimed at ensuring a high level of cyber security across the EU. It is also due to take note of the state of play regarding a proposal aimed at amending the EU telecommunications regulatory framework, the so-called "telecoms package", while during a working lunch, ministers will discuss internet governance.

A presidency press conference will be held at the end of each meeting.

Energy security, financing PCIs & measures promoting energy efficiency, at the Informal Council of Energy Ministers

ekampaki — Fri, 16 May 2014 16:38:23 +0000

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Α two-day Informal Council of Energy Ministers, chaired by the Greek Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change Yannis Maniatis, took place at Zappeion Megaron in Athens, on 15-16 May, with the participation of the Commissioner for Energy, Günther Oettinger and the competent EU Ministers.

The main topics that were discussed during the meeting included energy security, the financing of energy efficiency measures and the financing of projects of common interest (PCIs) in the field of energy. During a working lunch, the Governance for a 2030 framework for climate change and energy was discussed.

Greek Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change, Yiannis Maniatis, evaluated the meeting as fruitful and constructive. "We discussed the issue of EU energy security as well as the challenges and perspectives at a time when the Ukrainian crisis is still going on. In that framework, we examined a number of important options, measures and guidelines," he said. According to the Greek Minister, these policies concern the enhancement of coherence between the European strategy for security of supply with the 2030 Framework for energy and climate, measures to reduce energy demand, the development of EU renewable and conventional endogenous sources according to the experience gained by the successful research in the Eastern Mediterranean. Additionally, participants also discussed the diversity of external suppliers and gas routes, the fulfillment of an operational and fully integrated energy market, the systematic effort for a single and powerful EU voice and strategy in the EU external energy policy, especially with third countries, the revision of solidarity and emergency response mechanisms in order to achieve efficiency and faster response.

With regard to the energy efficiency issue, the Greek Minister said: "For me, as a President of the EU Council of Energy Ministers, for the European Commission and for all of us, the issue of energy efficiency is one of the most important but simultaneously the least utilized energy capital that the Union has at its disposal". In this framework, the Council confirmed that while there are EU financial tools available, there is still a lot to be done at national and regional level. It was also agreed that there is a need for more information to investors, simplification of administrative procedures and an exemplary way of implementation of energy efficiency programmes in public buildings. Especially on issues of major energy infrastructure projects, the Council agreed that there is a necessity, as the Commissioner highlighted, to promote the establishment of competent "one stop shops" in order to ensure express project licensing.

Finally, regarding the issue of a new energy and climate change governance, the Council emphasized that the key words are "flexibility" for the definition of objectives in accordance with national needs and opportunities and "compatibility" of the roadmap with the common EU objectives. According to Minister Maniatis, "we have already invested in regional cooperation for infrastructure development and regulation of markets. These principles will be part of the European Council preparation during June and October and will be part of the council conclusions for the 2030 framework."

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Informal Meeting of Ministers for Transport, Telecommunications and Energy (Energy) - Athens, 15-16.05.2014

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Energy efficiency, security and infrastructure at the centre of the Informal Energy Council (Athens, 15-16.5.2014)

ekampaki — Thu, 15 May 2014 05:43:56 +0000

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EU Ministers of Energy meet on 15-16 May for the Informal Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council, chaired by Greek Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change, Yannis Maniatis.

Discussions will mainly focus on energy efficiency, security and infrastructure as well as on the connection between “Europe 2020” strategy, industrial competitiveness and policies on climate and energy.

The meetings will take place in three sessions. In the first session (15 May), ministers will exchange views on energy security, with emphasis on high energy dependency of the EU on imports, the South Gas Corridor, the developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, the completion of the internal EU energy market and tackling the Member States’ isolation from the gas and electricity European networks. In the second and third sessions (16 May), the financing of energy efficiency measures and of projects of common interest will be discussed.

During working lunch there will be a presentation of the 2030 framework for climate change and energy.

A press Conference will follow after the meeting.

Mapping a EU road safety strategy

mvaroucha — Thu, 08 May 2014 17:09:01 +0000

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Although road transport is a lot safer compared to the past, it is still considerably more dangerous than other means of travel. This underlines the fact that future initiatives need to be undertaken at EU level in order to prevent road accidents and minimize road traffic deaths and injuries. To this end, Member States need to build the political commitment necessary for adopting an EU road safety strategy. In another words they have to seek common ground on converging the existing different standards on traffic flows, road infrastructure quality and driving behaviours and to improve European citizens’ perceptions of what road safety is all about.

However, improving road safety and ensuring equal treatment for all driving behaviours has not been an easy task thus far. Directive 2011/82/EC ensures the exchange of information between Member States for specific traffic offenses committed in a Member State when the vehicle is registered in another Member State. Nonetheless, this Directive lacks any provisions related to: the harmonisation of EU rules by creating a common penalty system, the data exchange and storage of drivers’ records, the promotion of a common System of Control and a premium car insurance policy depending on drivers’ records.

Technology in the service of the EU’s transport policy

"Let us imagine a transport system where accidents are rare, traffic flows smoothly-even during peak hours, travel times are reliable, travel information is always available, easily accessible and accurate, air pollution and waste of fuel due to traffic belong to the past"

This is broadly accepted as the vision for Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). But what ITS truly offers is solutions to those who mostly need them: the users, the economy, the environment. The proliferation of ITS applications as well as the necessary policy measures, can successfully meet the challenges that transport systems face today. The European Action Plan for Road Safety focuses on a systemic approach to the problem: responsible driver behaviour, enforcement of rules & enhanced vehicle safety by supporting technological progress and improving traffic conditions with the use of ICT, which is the core of ITS.

Use of ITS in road transport in Europe is, however, still uneven. The Commission concluded in the launch of the ITS Action Plan that there is currently a patchwork of national, regional and local solutions slowing down overall deployment and failing to provide seamless service. Questions such as data access, interoperability and common standards need further discussion.

Maintaining and modernising transport systems, without wasting precious resources

Transport demand grows at the same time that infrastructure matures and public investments shrink. Directive 2008/96/EC provides the EU legislative framework for the safety management of road infrastructure, establishing procedures aimed to ensure that the road network is safe.

The European Structural and investment funds (ESI Funds) are today the single most important source of EU funding for transport projects and policies. In less developed regions of the EU, these funds are directed towards improving accessibility, reducing disparities between developed and less developed regions and therefore, achieving a greater degree of convergence and territorial cohesion.

Additionally, EU financial support will be available for common interest projects under the TEN-Τ policy, by the use of the CEF - Connecting Europe Facility, providing € 26 billion for the period 2014-2020, while the Horizon 2020 work programme for 2014 and 2015, will drive innovative policies and technologies towards smart infrastructures / smart vehicles.

Finally, Innovative funding schemes, such as Public – Private Partnerships (PPPs) form an alternative to the traditional public expenditure financial model for constructing new infrastructures, maintaining existing and providing various new services.

The Greek presidency seeks to put such issues under discussion as it considers drafting a Road Safety strategy to be a challenge the EU needs to meet. To this effect, the Informal Meeting of Ministers for Transport (8 May) and the European Road Safety Day Conference (9 May), will bring together high-ranking national and European officials, road safety experts, stakeholders and decision-makers to share expertise, propose key actions and communicate good practices in order to address the road safety challenges ahead and make the most of the opportunities towards the harmonisation of European transport policies.

Transport, Telecommunications and Energy (TTE)

Road safety challenges for smart transport infrastructure development discussed at Informal Council of EU Transport Ministers (Athens, 8.5.2014)

ekampaki — Thu, 08 May 2014 16:27:58 +0000

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Current road safety challenges for smart transport infrastructure development was the main topic of the Informal Meeting of Transport Ministers of EU Member States and EEA States that took place today (8.5.2014), at Zappeion Megaron, in Athens.

The Greek Minister of Infrastructure, Transport and Networks, Michalis Chrysochoidis, chaired the Informal EU Transport Ministers Council. The President of the Hellenic Republic, Karolos Papoulias, honoured with his presence the Council, stressing thus the importance of improving road safety towards reaching the vision of zero road deaths. The Vice President and European Commissioner for Transport, Siim Kallas, European Commission officials and Ministers and Senior Officials of EU and EEA Member States, responsible for transport attended the Council.

In his opening speech, the Greek Minister of Infrastructure, Transport and Networks, Michalis Chrisochoidis, summarised the objectives of the meeting: "Our ambition is, through the current informal meeting of the Ministers of Transport of the European Union, to contribute to a transition from words to actions, to be able to outline and define a new framework, an updated set of strategic conclusions that will feed into policies and practices for an effective approach to our common goals in improving road safety."

The French Minister of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Frederic Cuivillier, presented the results of the European Conference on Road Transport of Goods: Harmonisation of European Social Policy. The same topic has been the main discussion topic in the ministerial working lunch, during which the Ministers expressed the positions of their countries on the subject.

Simon Grima, Chairman of CEDR (Conference of European Directors of Roads) and Steve Philips, General Secretary of CEDR, presented the five main short- , medium- and long-term measures to improve road safety on European roads (awareness campaigns, traffic calming and speed management, institutional prerequisites, road safety audit and management of high risk sites). “Road users, when asked”, said the CEDR representatives, “recommended as the best road safety measures the maintenance and expansion of road infrastructure, better lighting and expansion of signaling.”

Erik Jonnaert, Secretary General of ACEA (European Automotive Vehicle Manufacturers Association), emphasized the need for more efforts in order to improve, on one hand, the driving behaviour and, on the other, road infrastructure, optimally using the possibilities that the new technologies give us.

Summing up the political dialogue, the Greek Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, Transport and Networks, Michalis Papadopoulos, recalled that improving road safety is a targeted action performed by many stakeholders, of both the public and private sector, various levels of government, and politicians - scientists - technocrats - citizens. He referred to the so-called "forgiving" infrastructure, which includes proper design of road networks, intelligent transport systems (ITS) and cooperative systems of road infrastructure, vehicle and driver, an infrastructure that can prevent accidents, injuries and deaths.

Papadopoulos, stressed the systematic work of the Greek Presidency on the following dossiers/topics: development of the e-Call interoperable system, weights and dimensions of vehicles, noise in air transport, passenger rights, Shift2Rail Regulation, 4th pillar railway technical package. In horizontal issues, the completion of the Directive on infrastructure development of alternative fuels has been an important milestone, while, in inland waterway, a small –but important in its field– instrument has been completed, which will contribute to a better exploitation of resources on the EU fleet capacity.

At the press conference, the Minister of Infrastructure, Transport and Networks, Michalis Chrisochoidis, presented the conclusions of the Informal Council of EU Transport Ministers, pointing out that: "In order to achieve what was discussed during the Informal Council of EU Transport Ministers, it is necessary to implement appropriate mechanisms. I am primarily referring to financial tools. In any case, we need to think towards two directions: 1) how the use of available resources for our purposes will be optimized, and 2) if these resources are sufficient and how to fill existing gaps using these resources."

The Informal Council of EU Transport Ministers concluded with the Ceremony of the European Road Safety Award.

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