Single European Sky 2+
The Council agreed on its position (‘general approach’) on the proposals to review the Single European Sky (SES) legislative framework. The SES initiative aims to reform the air navigation services industry in order to make efficient the way in which European airspace is organised and managed.
Air traffic management is not like any other economic activity. It is intrinsically linked to citizens’ safety and security, and its regulation cannot be left entirely to the market. Given the enormous impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on aviation, the sector needs a carefully analysed reform, that ensures simplification and reduces costs, as the basis for its recovery. In addition, this reform needs to help reduce aviation’s environmental impact. The Council’s position takes full account of this. At the same time, it ensures that measures are taken at the most effective level and that member states’ rights and responsibilities on the safety and security of their airspace under the Chicago Convention are respected.
Pedro Nuno Santos, Portuguese Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, chair of today’s meeting
Hired vehicles
The Council agreed on a general approach on revised rules for the use of hired vehicles for the carriage of goods by road. The proposal seeks to establish a clear and uniform regulatory framework for the hired vehicles market linked to the carriage of goods, and to ease the restrictions on using hired vehicles in international transport.
- Clearer rules for the use of hired lorries – Council agrees its position (press release 3 June 2021)
Third country certificates in inland navigation
The Council also agreed on a general approach on a proposed amending directive on the transitional measures for the recognition of third countries’ certificates in inland navigation. The amendment will ensure continuity and legal certainty for individuals and economic operators in the inland waterways sector.
Rail at the forefront of smart and sustainable mobility
The Council approved conclusions on ‘Putting rail at the forefront of smart and sustainable mobility’.
Against the background of the European Green Deal, the sustainable and smart mobility strategy and – of course – the European Year of Rail, now is an ideal time for the Council to take stock of efforts to promote railways and make an ambitious political statement on rail. Putting rail at the forefront has been one of the goals of the Portuguese presidency and perfectly reflects EU policy objectives. It is of great importance to me that when we speak about railways in a policy context, we see its value for greener mobility, as well as its contribution to societal and territorial cohesion, and to industrialisation and economic development.
Pedro Nuno Santos, Portuguese Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, chair of today’s meeting
Sustainable and smart mobility
The Council also adopted conclusions on the Commission’s strategy for sustainable and smart mobility. Ministers then exchanged views on the way forward on this strategy, including elements that are not detailed in the Council conclusions. The discussion, as well as the conclusions, will help the Commission focus its future work in this area.
I am very happy with the consensus that we Transport Ministers reached on this ambitious and forward-looking text. These conclusions send a clear political message regarding our commitment to a more sustainable, inclusive, intelligent, safe and resilient transport and mobility system. This transformation is essential and will make a major contribution to meeting our objective of a climate-neutral EU by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement. Transport shall now be at the core of addressing our climate issues.
Pedro Nuno Santos, Portuguese Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, chair of today’s meeting
Any other business
The Presidency briefed ministers on the state of play of the proposal to revise EU road charging rules (Eurovignette directive) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, make road transport greener and contribute to the financing of road infrastructure. The Portuguese presidency aims to reach a political agreement with the European Parliament on this priority file before the end of its term.
The Council discussed an AOB raised by the Lithuanian delegation on the forced landing of the civilian aircraft in Minsk on 23 May. Ministers supported the Lithuanian AOB and the conclusions of the European Council of 24 May. They confirmed the importance of maintaining a strong and united front to safeguard the safety and security of EU citizens.
As the last item after many other AOBs, the incoming Slovenian presidency presented its work programme for the second half of 2021.
Meeting information
- Meeting n°3798
- Luxembourg
- 3 June 2021
Preparatory documents
- Provisional agenda
- Provisional list of A items, non-legislative activities
- Background brief
Outcome documents
Press releases
- Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy – Council adopts conclusions – 3 June 2021, 15:55
- Rail at the forefront of smart and sustainable mobility – Council adopts conclusions – 3 June 2021, 13:25
- Inland navigation: Council approves general approach to allow continued work by non-EU nationals – 3 June 2021, 12:55
- Clearer rules for the use of hired lorries – Council agrees its position – 3 June 2021, 12:50