Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council, 08/10/2014, 8 October 2014

Rail market liberalisation and infrastructure governance proposals debated at the Council

Meeting in Luxembourg on 8 October, transport ministers held a first discussion on the two proposals which are a key part of the 4th railway package. They also adopted a general approach on new rules for market access to port services.

4th railway package

The policy debate was the first time that ministers have discussed the two proposals under the governance and market opening pillar of the 4th railway package. The proposed measures aim to open up the domestic rail passenger market to competition, introduce mandatory competitive tendering for public service contracts for railways and strengthen the governance of infrastructure managers.

Ministers discussions focused on whether market opening is the best way to make railway services more dynamic and encourage investment and innovation. Many ministers also spoke of their opposition to 'cherry picking', whereby commercial companies focus on profitable lines to the detriment of loss-making lines that are in the public interest. The Council's discussions also looked at the question of competitive tendering and access to rolling stock.

• 4th railway package

Port services

The Council also adopted a general approach text, pending first reading in the European Parliament, on new rules for  access to port services in the EU  and the financial transparency of ports. The new rules aim to promote fairer competition and reduce legal uncertainties for EU ports.

• Port services in the EU

Other topics on the agenda

The Council took note of progress made at working party level on a draft regulation on the implementation of the  Single European Sky  (part of the SES2+ package).

• Single European Sky

Ministers also held a policy debate on the future use of drones in the European aviation market. The outcome of the discussion will be used as guidance for the European Commission on areas that may be affected by this technology.

The Council also adopted a general approach on a draft proposal on the cross-border exchange of   information on road traffic offences.