Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council, 01-05/12/2016 - Main results - 5 December - Hoofdinhoud
Meeting information
Outcome of the Council meeting
Indicative programme - Transport and Telecommunications issues, 1-2 December 2016
Indicative programme - Energy issues, 5 December 2016
Provisional agenda, Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council, 1-5 December 2016
Energy - 5 December
The Council held a policy debate on the proposal for a regulation concerning measures to safeguard the security of gas supply.
The aim of the regulation is to create a cost-effective EU regional framework that would minimize the impact of a potential gas disruption and therefore increase the security of supply across the EU. Enhanced regional cooperation and coordination are important tools for creating greater solidarity and trust between member states and for strengthening the internal energy market.
A compromise was found on the main issues: regional cooperation, exchange of information on commercial gas contracts, and solidarity
regional cooperation: based on groups of member states identified on the basis of the main risks for the EU's gas supply
exchange of information: long-term contracts which provide 40% or more of annual gas consumption in the member state concerned would be notified to the competent authority. They would be assessed by the competent authority, with regard in particular to their impact on the security of gas supplies in the member state and the region
solidarity: solidarity, together with general principles on compensation, should be defined in the text of the regulation, whilst member states should be allowed to take into account their specific national situation and possible different approaches to calculating compensation
"Security of gas supply is a key issue where countries need to act on the basis of the recognition that we have a shared interest. Today's debate was important in that it gave a very clear steer on the security of supply regulation in three main areas. I am pleased that a solution is emerging. We aim to transform this political guidance as soon as possible and receive a mandate which will then enable the Council to open negotiations with the Parliament."
Peter Žiga, Minister for the Economy and Chair of the Council
The Council had a presentation by the Commission of its "Clean Energy Package", in the framework of the implementation of the Energy Union Strategy. It includes legislation on energy efficiency, electricity market design, renewables and energy governance.
The Council also took note of information from the Presidency on the state of play of two important legislative files on which the Council has agreed on general approaches.
the decision on an information exchange mechanism with regard to intergovernmental agreements between member states and third countries: two trilogues have taken place: on 8 and 24 November. Significant progress has been achieved and provisional agreement was reached on a number of topics. A third trilogue is scheduled for 7 December.
the regulation on energy efficiency labelling: three trilogues took place under the Slovak Presidency in July, September and October 2016. Provisional agreement was reached on most non-core political issues. The Presidency also submitted compromise proposals on the core issues of rescaling and the database in view of a possible third trilogue.
Highlights from the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy (Telecom) Council on 2 December 2016 in Brussels.
02/12/2016
Highlights from the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy (Telecom) Council on 2 December 2016 in Brussels.
Telecommunications - 2 December
The Council adopted a general approach on new rules for wholesale roaming markets in the EU. This is an important step in preparing the abolition of roaming fees for consumers on 15 June 2017 as agreed. The general approach is the starting point for negotiations with the European Parliament.
"Who does not wish to remain connected and to communicate when travelling or on holiday? Abolition of roaming charges is in the eyes of many the most concrete achievement of the Union. It is therefore of the utmost importance that we meet our citizens' expectations. I welcome today´s swift decision by the Council to agree on wholesale roaming caps to enable negotiations with the European Parliament and make roam-like-at-home reality as of next year."
Arpád Érsek, Slovak Minister for Transport, Construction and Regional Development
Wholesale roaming: Council ready for talks with EP
The Council adopted a partial general approach on a proposal under which the EU will fund the installation of free WiFi4EU internet connections in local communities.
Free WiFi4EU internet connection - Council agrees its position
Ministers held a policy debate on recent proposals on the reform of the EU telecoms rules. They expressed their support for the connectivity objectives in the proposals and agreed on the need to work together to achieve them, including on 5G. At the same time, they stressed the need to respect subsidiarity and regulate only where it is necessary. The messages from the debate will steer future work at technical level.
Ministers took note of the progress made on the proposal to increase regulatory oversight and price transparency for cross-border parcel delivery services.
Over lunch, ministers provided guidance to the Commission for future work on free flow of data. The discussion addressed issues such as data localisation and other barriers to the free flow of data, the main obstacles to future innovation and growth of the data economy, and user control of data.
"Our presidency has shown itself to be a determined advocate of a strong, fair and competitive digital single market. We have paid particular attention to eliminating barriers in e-commerce through geo-blocking, to facilitating the use of electronic services in public administration and the availability of digital content, as well as to the importance of consumer protection and cybersecurity. Today, I have reported to the Council on the significant progress that has been achieved."
Peter Pellegrini, Slovak Deputy Prime Minister for Investments and the Information Society
Highlights - Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Transport)
01/12/2016
Highlights from the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Transport), on 1 December 2016 in Brussels.
Transport - 1 December
The Council agreed its position on the revision of safety rules for civil aviation. The draft regulation contains a new mandate for the European Aviation Safety Agency. It also includes the first EU-wide rules on civil drones, to enable drones to fly safely in European airspace and boost this rapidly expanding industry.
Aviation safety, EASA and drones rules: Council adopts its position
The Council also adopted its position on two proposals which are part of a review of passenger ship safety: a revised 'general' directive on safety rules for passenger ships and a simplified inspection regime for ro-ro ferries and high-speed passenger craft.
Passenger ship safety: Council stance on two sets of rules
In addition, ministers took stock of the progress made on revised rules on the registration of ship passengers, which is the third proposal under the review.
"Citizens want to move around in safety. Offering the highest safety standards across all modes of transport should be our top priority. This was the main theme running through all our discussions today, both in relation to aviation and shipping. I am pleased at the swift action of the Council on civil aviation safety rules and passenger ship safety rules. This is how the Council works for the benefit of citizens and delivers tangible results."
Arpád Érsek, Slovak Minister for Transport, Construction and Regional Development and Chair of the Council
The Council also adopted, without discussion, a mandate that will enable the Commission to launch talks on a comprehensive air transport agreement with Armenia. The agreement will enhance connectivity based on common rules, ultimately aiming at full implementation of the EU aviation acquis in this neighbourhood country.
Air transport agreement with Armenia: Council adopts mandate