Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council, 11-12/06/2015, 11-12 June 2015

Main results

The longer it takes to agree on roaming and open internet rules, the more distant the prospect of creating a genuine digital single market. Anrijs Matīss, Latvian Minister for Transport

Telecommunications  

Telecommunications single market  

The presidency briefed ministers on the state of play on the proposals for a telecommunications single market (roaming and net neutrality) currently being negotiated with the European Parliament. The telecommunications single market proposal was also discussed by ministers at an informal breakfast meeting hosted by Anrijs Matīss, the Latvian Minister for Transport, together with Commissioner Günther Oettinger.  

"Developing a truly digital Europe has been one of the top priorities of the Latvian presidency", said Minister Matīss, who chaired the meeting. "The longer it takes to agree on roaming and open internet rules, the more distant the prospect of creating a genuine digital single market. Many member states today underlined the importance of making every effort to reach agreement with the European Parliament as soon as possible, but not at any price."  

Network and information security  

The presidency also informed ministers of progress on the proposal on network and information security, which is being negotiated with the European Parliament.  

Digital services interoperability programme ISA²  

The Council adopted a general approach on a programme on interoperability solutions for European public administrations, citizens and businesses (ISA²). The programme will support electronic interaction across sectors and borders. It is set to run from 2016 to 2020.  

Conclusions on the transfer of IANA functions  

The Council adopted conclusions on the transfer of the stewardship of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) functions to the multi-stakeholder community. The upcoming transfer is one of the most important Internet governance related processes this year.  

Digital single market strategy  

Ministers expressed their views on the digital single market strategy adopted by the Commission in May. The presidency will sum up the main messages from the debate for the June European Council.  

Web accessibility  

The Council looked at progress on a proposal to make public sector websites more accessible. Some more work is needed especially on the scope of the new rules. 

We have spared no effort working on the market pillar but clearly more time is needed to reach a political agreement based on a wide consensus within the Council. Anrijs Matīss, Latvian Minister for Transport

Transport

Inland waterway vessels  

The Council adopted a general approach on proposed technical requirements for inland waterway vessels. The draft directive will harmonise procedures across two different legal regimes (EU and Rhine) that are necessary to update unified technical standards.  

Railway market opening and governance  

Ministers took stock of governance and market opening proposals under the fourth railway package's market pillar. "We have spared no effort working on the market pillar but clearly more time is needed to reach a political agreement based on a wide consensus within the Council", said Anrijs Matīss, the Latvian Minister for Transport, who chaired the meeting. "At the same time, we have entered a decisive phase in talks with the European Parliament on the technical pillar, and with some good will from all parties involved an agreement should be possible next week when the last trilogue during the Latvian presidency takes place."  

Air passenger rights

Ministers also discussed progress made on a proposed update of EU passenger rights rules.

• Outcome of Council meeting
• 4th railway package: Governance and market opening proposals
• Air passenger rights in the EU
• Improving cyber security across the EU