Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Transport), 20/09/2019, 20 September 2019

Main results

The Council held an extensive policy debate on how to decarbonise transport in order to combat climate change and meet the Paris Agreement objectives.

The debate built on the Commission communication 'A Clean Planet for all', published in November 2018.

To reflect the importance of the subject, separate sessions were dedicated to land transport (road, rail and inland navigation), aviation and shipping.

Today's discussion was encouraging. It is clear that we need to do more to cut greenhouse gas emissions in order to stop global warming. And the transport sector must, and will, play a crucial role in this. There is a willingness across member states to make the most of a wide range of options: technological options, political options, changing our behaviour… No single solution is enough, but with the right policy mix and by embracing the opportunities provided by innovation and digitalisation, we will get there. Strong climate action is supported by Europeans, and is a top priority for the Finnish presidency. Our discussion today provides a good basis for further work towards carbon-free mobility and a carbon-neutral society. Sanna Marin, Finland's Minister for Transport and Communications, chair of the meeting

The presidency will sum up the ministers' debate as input for the European Council, which is expected to finalise its guidance before the end of the year. The EU can then adopt its long-term climate strategy and present it to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) by 2020, as required by the Paris Agreement.

The Council discussion – as well as the instruction from the European Council – will also guide the Commission in the preparation of new legislative proposals and other initiatives in this area.

Over lunch, ministers discussed financial instruments for sustainable transport.

• A Clean Planet for all – Transport: policy debate presidency background paper
• Paris Agreement on climate change (background information)
• Tackling climate change in the EU (background information)