Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council, 08/10/2015, 8 October 2015

Main results

Railway market opening and governance

The Council agreed on a general approach on proposals on public service contracts for domestic rail passenger services and stronger governance of railway infrastructure. The proposals are part of the market pillar of the fourth railway package. This Council position allows the presidency to start negotiations with the European Parliament on the market pillar.

Today we reached an agreement on EU rules which will help promote rail throughout Europe. I am satisfied with the large measure of support but even more pleased at the balanced and solid solutions that we managed to agree upon. François Bausch, Luxembourg's Minister for Sustainable Development and Infrastructure 

• Railway market opening and governance: Council agrees its position
• Council general approach on market opening and governance proposals - October 2015

Railway security

Over a working lunch ministers looked at ways to step up the security of rail travel in particular by enhancing cross-border cooperation in the fight against terrorism. Other measures discussed include improving rail operators' preparedness and security training of staff as well as further use of security technologies at stations and on board trains.

Car emissions

The Commission updated ministers on ongoing work to introduce more accurate tests to measure emissions from cars. Laboratory testing should soon be complemented by testing in real driving conditions.

Transport White Paper

The Council held a policy debate on EU transport policy priorities and targets in the context of the 2011 Transport White Paper.

European fund for strategic investments and EU financing for transport

Commission Vice-President Jyrki Katainen and European Investment Bank Vice-President Pim van Ballekom briefed ministers on new financing opportunities for transport from the European fund for strategic investments (EFSI). Innovative instruments can be combined with EU-level funding for transport such as the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).

Bicycles as a sustainable mode of transport

The presidency briefed ministers on the outcome of the Informal Transport Council meeting on promoting cycling. A declaration endorsed by the informal meeting calls for a European strategy for cycling.

• Outcome of the Council meeting