Press Release: Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council, Brussels, 5 December 2013

Main results of the Council

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Telecommunications single market
The Council held a policy debate on a proposal aimed at amending the EU telecommunications regulatory framework. The draft regulation is part of the Connected Continent package.

Cyber security
The Council took note of the state of play regarding a draft directive aimed at ensuring a high common level of network security across the EU.

Broadband network cost reduction
Ministers took note of progress on proposed measures to facilitate investment in high-speed broadband networks by reducing the costs involved.

TRANSPORT

Alternative fuels infrastructure
Ministers agreed a general approach on a proposal aimed at building up a minimum infrastructure for alternative fuels across the EU. The draft directive is part of the Clean Power for Transport initiative.

European Railway Agency
The Council took note of progress on a draft regulation aimed at giving new tasks to the European Railway Agency and streamlining its existing processes. The proposal is part of the fourth railway package.

Air passenger rights
The Council took stock of progress on a proposed update of the EU rules on air passenger rights.

Air transport agreement with Brazil
Lastly, ministers mandated the Commission to reopen negotiations with Brazil on a comprehensive air transport agreement.

Important items adopted without discussion (A items) include:

– regulation on the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), the future funding instrument for the trans-European networks (TEN) in the fields of transport, energy and telecommunications
– new guidelines for the development of a complete trans-European transport network (TEN-T)
– new financial and governance framework for the European satellite navigation systems (EGNOS and Galileo) for 2014-2020
– regulation listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders
– programme in support of the competitiveness of EU enterprises for 2014-2020
– directive laying down basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation
– regulation establishing a Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE Programme) for 2014-2020
– regulation establishing the Creative Europe Programme for 2014- 2020.

ESO: Background information: Council adopts regulation on the implementation and exploitation of the European satellite navigation systems http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-adopts-regulation-on-the-implementation-and-exploitation-of-the-european-satellite-navigation-systems/

ESO: Council adopts regulation on the Connecting Europe Facility http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-adopts-regulation-on-the-connecting-europe-facility/

ESO: Background information: Council adopts the guidelines for the development of the transEuropean transport network http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-adopts-the-guidelines-for-the-development-of-the-transeuropean-transport-network/

ESO: Background information: Alternative fuels infrastructure: Council agrees its position http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-alternative-fuels-infrastructure-council-agrees-its-position/

ESO: Background information: Council adopts measures to boost impact of cohesion policy http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-adopts-measures-to-boost-impact-of-cohesion-policy/

ESO: Background information: Council approves LIFE Programme http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-approves-life-programme/

ESO: Background information: Council approves new standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-approves-new-standards-for-protection-against-the-dangers-arising-from-exposure-to-ionising-radiation/

European Commission: RAPID: Memo, MEMO/13/1095: Transport and Telecoms Council – 5 December 2013 http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-13-1095_en.pdf

ESO: Background information: "Creative Europe" Programme fully operational in 2014 http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-creative-europe-programme-fully-operational-in-2014/

ESO: Background information: Council amends EU visa rules http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-amends-eu-visa-rules/

ESO: Background information: Programme for employment and social innovation (EaSI) http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-programme-for-employment-and-social-innovation-easi/

ESO: Background information: Council approves programme in support of SMEs http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-approves-programme-in-support-of-smes/

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