News
Transport: EU adopts ambitious external aviation policy
20/12/2012
Today, EU transport ministers adopted a comprehensive set of Council conclusions which will lay down the framework for an ambitious EU external aviation policy for the coming years.
Based on the European Commission's recent Communication "The EU's external aviation policy – addressing future challenges", the Council has called for stronger coordination, unity and solidarity at EU level and for a more robust EU external aviation policy in order to strengthen the competitiveness of the European aviation industry while supporting the interests of European consumers.
Global aviation is changing dramatically and Europe has been harder hit by the recession than many other regions. The actions proposed by the Commission and endorsed by the Council will help boost the international competitiveness of the EU's aviation industry by opening negotiations with key partners to access new business opportunities in fast growing markets, developing new tools to fight unfair competition and creating the right regulatory conditions to stimulate investment.
Road safety: Member States water down proposals for tougher vehicle testing rules to save lives
20/12/2012
Key measures to strengthen road safety and save lives have been put at risk by an agreement by transport ministers meeting today in Brussels. Vehicle checks are fundamental to road safety. More than 5 people die on Europe's roads every day in accidents linked to technical failure. EU transport ministers today agreed on a text which would water down key elements of Commission proposals for new rules to toughen up the current testing regime and widen its scope.
The agreement by ministers today would substantially weaken the proposed new rules, by (a) removing motorcycles and other two-wheelers, the most vulnerable group of road users from the scope of mandatory regular testing; (b) removing proposals for increased frequency of technical checks for older vehicles – the highest risk vehicles on the road; (c) weakening proposed measures to reduce mileage manipulation.
Ministers have backed measures with regard to two things: strengthened cross-border mutual recognition, and higher quality and harmonisation of testing, with minimum requirements on training, on equipment, on assessing deficiencies, on technical vehicle information and on supervision of testing.
Technical defects contribute heavily to accidents. They are responsible for 6% of all car accidents, translating into 2,000 fatalities and many more injuries yearly. 8% of all motorcycle accidents are linked to technical defects. Moreover, many technical defects with serious implications for safety (such as ABS and electronic stability control) are not even checked under current rules. Existing EU rules setting minimum standards for vehicle checks date back to 1977, with only minor updates. Cars, driver behaviour and technology have developed a lot since then.
Aviation: EU and Eurocontrol agree on stronger technical cooperation
20/12/2012
The EU and the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL) signed today in the margin of the Transport Council a high-level agreement. The agreement will provide a general framework for cooperation and will allow the Commission to make use of the know-how and the expertise of Eurocontrol to speed up the implementation of the Single European Sky (SES). The main goal is achieving an optimal and integrated Air Traffic Management (ATM) network, offering a high degree of safety, cost-efficiency, capacity and environmental protection, for the benefit of passengers and citizens.
Aviation: Commission proposes new rules to prevent aircraft accidents
19/12/2012
The European Commission proposed today new rules for the better protection of air passengers, aiming to achieve a decreased number of aircraft accidents and fatalities through a better use of data on occurrences. An occurrence is any type of event significant in the context of aviation safety which might or might not have resulted in an actual accident but which merits being collected and analysed. In addition, the new rules would promote a more efficient exchange of information between Member States. This legislative proposal is the core element of the future European Aviation Safety System which aims to shift Europe towards a proactive and evidence based safety system, i.e. a system that attempts to foresee and prevent accidents based on the collection and analysis of data, rather than simply reacting after accidents.
Passenger rights: Europeans better protected when travelling by water
18/12/2012
By the end of the year new EU rules to better care for passengers when travelling by sea and inland waterway will be protected by a set of minimum rights anywhere within the European Union. As from 31 December, passengers travelling by sea will have the right to claim compensation for loss or damage in the event of accidents.
The Single Sky: the way forward for European civil aviation
13/12/2012
SPEECH/12/951
European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC)
Paris
Kallas seeks pan-European cooperation on Single Sky
13/12/2012
European Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas called today on the 44 Director-Generals representatives of the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) for full engagement on the implementation of the Single European Sky, and for a positive cooperation between ECAC and the EU.
"Better Airports" Package
11/12/2012
Airport package – Speech to European Parliament Plenary debate
EP PLENARY/Brussels
Building a sustainable and efficient future for European road transport
06/12/2012
SPEECH/12/916
European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) Policy Event
Brussels
MEPs to vote on "Better Airports" Package
06/12/2012
The European Parliament will next week debate and vote on a comprehensive package of proposed measures to help increase the capacity of Europe's airports, reduce delays and improve the quality of services offered to passengers. The proposed measures address the quality of services passengers and airlines receive on the ground before they take off and after they land (for example, baggage handling, check-in, refuelling), the transparency of decisions on airport noise, as well as the efficiency of the complex network of take-off and landing slots that make up every journey. The debate is scheduled for Tuesday 11th December afternoon, vote Wednesday 12th December.
Bridging transport’s financing gap: fair charging for the road ahead
05/12/2012
SPEECH/12/905
Conference on fair and efficient road pricing
Brussels
Bridging transport’s financing gap: fair charging for the road ahead
05/12/2012
Speech by Vice-President Siim Kallas at the Conference on fair and efficient road pricing, Brussels
Bridging transport’s financing gap: fair charging for the road ahead
Aviation safety: Commission updates the European safety list of airlines
04/12/2012
The European Commission has adopted today the 20th update of the European list of air carriers which are subject to an operating ban or operational restrictions within the European Union, better known as "the EU air safety list". Because of important safety concerns, air carriers certified in Eritrea have been added to the list. On the other hand, following improvement in the safety situation in Mauritania, it was possible to remove from the list all air carriers certified in Mauritania. The same was true for the Jordan carrier Jordan Aviation, which was also removed from the list. Progress was also noted in Libya but the Libyan authorities agreed that Libyan carriers would not be permitted to operate to Europe until they are fully recertified to the satisfaction of the Commission.
Single European Sky: Member States fail to reach key deadline to achieve more efficient European airspace
04/12/2012
Many Member States are seriously lagging behind and not yet fully compliant with requirements to make nine Functional Airspace Blocks (FABs) fully operational, for the deadline of 4 December 2012. A critical deadline has been missed for FABs, the regional airspace blocks which are a key element for the ambitious plans to create a single European airspace – tripling European airspace capacity and halving air traffic control costs. The Commission warned today that it will launch infringement procedures against Member States for all the Functional Airspace Blocks (FABs) which are not yet fully compliant with all legal requirements. It will also present a new package of legislative measures in Spring 2013 to accelerate reforms and ensure the full delivery of a Single European Sky.
Future fuels: a clean and green opportunity for European transport
29/11/2012
SPEECH/12/881
European Conference on Future Transport Fuels 2012
Brussels
Future fuels: a clean and green opportunity for European transport
29/11/2012
Speech by Vice-President Siim Kallas at the European Conference on Future Transport Fuels 2012, Brussels
Future fuels: a clean and green opportunity for European transport
Connect to compete!
27/11/2012
Transport matters! Discover some fascinating facts on how transport allows Europe to Connect to compete
Does Transport Matter?
27/11/2012
Speech by Vice-President Siim Kallas at the Transport Business Summit, Brussels
Does Transport Matter?
European Commission announces winners of sustainable mobility funding
26/11/2012
Within the framework of its Sustainable Urban Mobility campaign, the European Commission today announced the 20 winning actions set to receive up to EUR 7000 each in financial support. This money will be used to further the activities of the winning initiatives promoting sustainable urban mobility.
Commission seeks formal explanations from Spain on changes to airport charges
21/11/2012
Today the European Commission has formally asked Spain to clarify how airport charges have been modified at airports operated by AENA Aeropuertos. The decision to send a letter of formal notice has been taken following the reception of several complaints asserting that the European Directive on airport charges has not been respected.
Driving licences: Commission proposes reduced fine for Cyprus
21/11/2012
The European Commission decided today to amend its decision referring Cyprus to the European Court of Justice for not fully transposing the Directive on driving licences.
Commission promotes smooth transition to the new European driving licence
19/11/2012
Today, the European Commission adopted technical changes to the Directive on driving licences in order to provide more flexibility and a smoother transition to the new driving licence regime. The amendment aims to avoid unnecessary administrative burden to citizens or industry. There are around 300 million European citizens having a driving licence, most of them will be concerned about this new Directive.
Aviation: ten years of safe flights in Europe
15/11/2012
Today Vice-President and Commissioner for transport Siim Kallas joins the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in celebrating their 10th anniversary. He stated: "EASA has become an indispensable part of the European aviation safety system. I congratulate all those who have contributed to achieve such outstanding results. W e must now focus on maintaining and improving this excellent record. Aviation safety deserves to be a priority in the European policy agenda, and I count on EASA continuing to play a key role for the years to come ." EASA has calculated that in the past ten years the rate of fatal accidents per 10 million flights within its flying zone has improved significantly. European citizens now enjoy one of the safest aviation sectors in the world. For more information please see the EASA website.
Road transport: Europe's challenge to be clean, competitive and sustainable
14/11/2012
SPEECH/12/814
Scania Transport Conference 2012
Brussels
Connecting Europe Facility: Video clip with strong support from business leaders
14/11/2012
Less than two weeks ahead of the special European Council of 22-23 November on the future EU budget 2014-2020, business leaders express strong support for the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) in a video clip, produced by the European Commission. Top-level representatives from Ericsson, RATP, EirGrid, Telekomunikacja Polska, HSBC, Alstom, General Electric, IBM, Airbus ProSky and GDF-Suez as well as the International Energy Agency and the Prime Minister of Estonia leave no doubt about the need for better interconnections in Europe in transport, energy and the internet to enhance Europe's growth and competitiveness, about the need for European action through the CEF and about the strong potential to leverage private finance through this 50 billion initiative. The appeal comes at a time when substantial reductions affecting the CEF are getting more likely in the ongoing negotiations on the future budget.
Road Transport: Commission welcomes the political agreement on new smart tachographs
29/10/2012
The Commission takes note with satisfaction of the political agreement reached on new smart tachographs in today's Transport Council. The main goals of the new legislation are creating equal conditions between road transport operators, avoiding road accidents due to long driving hours and reducing the administrative burden for operators by providing the professional drivers with a smart and tamper-proof tool which ensures a uniform enforcement of the social rules and can easily be used and connected to an on-board computer.
Airport slots: Commission disappointed at level of ambition in Council text
29/10/2012
The European Commission takes note of the agreement reached on the newly proposed Airports Slots Regulation in today's Transport Council Agreement. The agreement, in the form of "General Approach", has been found on a text significantly departing from the original that the Commission proposed. In the Commission view, despite the best efforts of the Presidency and all delegations, the text agreed upon by the Council lacks ambition and needed more time for cautious consideration. The new Airports Slot Regulation has important economic implications for the whole aviation chain and is a key element of the airports package.
Transport and Telecommunications Council – 29 October 2012
29/10/2012
The EU's Council of transport ministers will meet in Luxembourg on Monday 29 October under the Presidency of Cyprus and will be chaired by Minister Florentzou.
Transport: Commission welcomes agreement by Transport ministers on Directives ensuring decent working conditions for seafarers
29/10/2012
The European Commission welcomes the agreement adopted on two proposals relating to the enforcement of the International Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) of 2006 in today's Transport Council. Approved as "General Approach", the agreement has its origins in the two proposals submitted by the Commission last 23 March 2012. These new Directives will guarantee important social benefits for the seafarers, and are essential to support the growth and the prosperity of the maritime industry in Europe.
Transforming Transport
26/10/2012
SPEECH/12/761
Speech by Neelie Kroes, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for the Digital Agenda
Intelligent Transport Systems World Conference
Vienna
Air transport: Commission adopts new rules for safe commercial flights
25/10/2012
EU citizens will have safer flights following today's publication of a new regulation with modernised binding rules for commercial operations of airplanes and helicopters.
Parliament supports Commission's agenda for better protection of passengers
23/10/2012
The European Parliament adopted today a report by MEP Georges Bach calling for more EU action to strengthen passenger rights.
Parliament asks to push ahead with Single European Sky
23/10/2012
The European Parliament adopted today a resolution to push forward implementation of the Single European Sky (SES), very much in line with the European Commission priorities.
Maritime transport: seafarers' training to match international standards
23/10/2012
The European Parliament approved today the legislative proposal which will bring the European Union Directive on the training of seafarers in line with recently updated international rules.
Europe's trade and business on the move: the role of logistics 
[86 KB]
17/10/2012
VP Kallas speech at Fifth European Logistics Summit, Brussels
Connecting Europe: Transport's role in reviving European growth
16/10/2012
SPEECH/12/734
European Transport Forum
Brussels
Railways in Europe: preparing for the future [55 KB]
16/10/2012
European Parliament rail conference
VP Kallas speech at EP, Brussels
The Single European Sky: 10 years on and still not delivering
11/10/2012
Single European Sky conference
Limassol, Cyprus
Single European Sky: 10 years on and still not delivering
11/10/2012
The Single European Sky, the flagship project to create a single European airspace – tripling capacity and halving air traffic costs – is "not delivering". Vice-President Siim Kallas, European Commissioner for transport, today announced his intention to present new legislative proposals in Spring 2013 to accelerate implementation, as well as taking all enforcement actions possible, including infringements where necessary.
Transport: Aviation Platform on 8 October
09/10/2012
The Aviation Platform set up to give strategic advice to Vice President Kallas in order to establish the basis for a sustainable future for air transport met for the fifth time on 8 October.
Connecting Europe Facility – Enabling Europe's future growth
02/10/2012
SPEECH/12/665
Conference on the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)
Brussels
Joint Statement by Vice-President of the European Commission Siim Kallas and EU Commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard: MRV is the necessary starting point to address maritime emissions
02/10/2012
"Shipping is a global industry and needs global solutions to address its environmental footprint. As a result, we are all working towards an internationally agreed global solution to decrease greenhouse gas emissions from ships. The International Maritime Organisation made a significant and highly welcome step forward in July 2011 with the Energy Efficiency Design Index. But this measure alone – which is applied only to new ships from 2015 – will not be enough to ensure shipping emissions are reduced fast enough. Discussions about further global measures are on-going at IMO level, but we need intermediary steps to quickly deliver emissions reductions, such as energy efficiency measures also for existing ships.
Commission seeks to increase cooperation with International Maritime Organization
28/09/2012
The European Commission and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have common goals to pursue and will keep up and strengthen a cooperation that has already proved to be fruitful in the past. This emerged from the meeting today in London between Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas, responsible for transport, and IMO's Secretary General Koji Sekimizu. Among the issues discussed were the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in shipping; sustainable development proposals, anti-piracy measures; passenger ship safety initiatives; and container vessel safety. Vice-President Kallas said that by working together both organisations would be able to make significant progress in their respective policy goals, therefore contact and exchanges of views between IMO and the different Commission services should be further encouraged.
New horizons for EU aviation
27/09/2012
Global aviation is changing dramatically and Europe has been harder hit by the recession than many other regions. The European Commission has today set out an ambitious package of proposals to boost the international competitiveness of the EU's aviation industry by opening negotiations with key partners to access new business opportunities in the fast growing markets, developing new tools to fight unfair competition and creating the right regulatory conditions to stimulate investment.
A vital resource: Europe's ports face winds of change
25/09/2012
SPEECH/12/640
Conference on European ports policy
Brussels
Europe's railways: connecting and competing in the future
24/09/2012
Speech by Vice President Siim Kallas at the Conference on the fourth railway package
The Last Mile towards the Fourth Railway Package – decision makers meet before the big leap forward
21/09/2012
Decision makers, business leaders, representatives of railway passengers and workers will meet in Brussels on Monday 24 September to discuss the forthcoming railway package, before the Commission adopts its proposals at the end of the year. The discussion will cover the latest thinking on measures to open domestic passenger rail markets to competition, to reduce the time-to-market of the rolling stock and to set up optimal rail infrastructure managers. At the conference Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas will be joined by members of the European Parliament, ministers and other high-level representatives as well as more than 300 participants. The conference programme includes a debate on how the railway industry contributes to growth in Europe and specific sessions devoted to the three pillars of the forthcoming measures. These three pillars are: revising the role of supervision of the European Railway Agency; setting up optimal infrastructure managers; and opening up the domestic passenger rail markets.
More information: http://www.railsconference2012.eu/
Towards competitive and resource efficient urban mobility [71 KB]
17/09/2012
VP Kallas speech at CoR, Brussels
Urban transport: time to move sustainably
17/09/2012
The future of mobility in our cities is being discussed today at a conference where Vice-President Siim Kallas will be joined by representatives from the European Parliament, the Committee of the Regions, and will meet with key stakeholders. The European Commission will announce the launch of a public consultation, giving citizens and all interested parties the opportunity to contribute to the future development of the EU's urban transport policy. The event also marks the tenth anniversary of the Civitas Initiative – the European Commission's city-led research programme.
Aviation security: the EU and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) move to enhance co-operation
14/09/2012
The EU and ICAO today made a pledge towards closer co-operation in aviation security, on the occasion of a high-level conference in Montreal. The conference addresses important issues concerning global civil aviation security. The two parties are seeking further cooperation within the framework of a Memorandum of Cooperation that entered into force earlier this year (see IP/11/540).
International rules and policies drawn up by ICAO translate into EU legislation and policy, particularly in the domain of aviation security. As such, it is important for the EU to engage effectively in ICAO's activities in order to contribute to defining approaches which apply to the global market place in which Europe's air transport industry operates.
ICAO High Level Conference on Aviation Security [58 KB]
13/09/2012
Speech by Henrik Hololei, Head of Cabinet for Vice-President Siim Kallas
Montreal
Road transport: serious delays in establishing a pan-European road toll payment system
07/09/2012
The European Commission has warned that Member States will need to do more to ensure that the European Electronic Toll Service (EETS) deployment is on track. The EU decided in 2004 to implement EETS in order to reduce the hassle for truckers and, later, for all road users by facilitating toll payments across the European Union by means of a single on-board unit and a single service contract. This will result in fewer cash transactions at toll stations and the elimination of cumbersome procedures for cross-border users, thereby improving traffic flow and reducing congestion. European interoperability will reduce the cost of future tolling equipment.
Reforming European railway legislation [64 KB]
06/09/2012
VP Kallas speech at EESC Conference, Brussels
Commission launches first EU Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan award for local authorities
03/09/2012
Commission today launched the EU’s first award to encourage the adoption of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) by local and regional authorities. Under the inaugural theme "stakeholder and citizen participation", local and regional authorities can submit their applications for the award of EUR 10 000 on www.dotherightmix.eu.
Fourth European Road Safety Day: For more engagement of youth in road safety
25/07/2012
Road crashes are still the biggest cause of death and disability for young people, in both the world and Europe. 19% of road fatalities in the EU in 2010 affected young people aged between 18-25 years old (although this age group comprise only 10% of the total population). This means that those aged between 18-25 face almost twice as high a risk of dying in traffic accidents. The European Commission is therefore dedicating its 4th European Road Safety Day to young people. The day is marked by a conference, jointly organised with the Cyprus Presidency, which will takes place on 25 July in Nicosia. The conference brings together youth groups, road safety organisations and road safety officials from all EU Member States, as well as from neighbouring countries for a day of discussions, presentations and workshops.
Air traffic: Commission approves national performance plans to reduce costs and increase capacity in the provision of air traffic management services
19/07/2012
The European Commission has written to Member States concerning the performance plans to improve air traffic management under the period 2012-2014 of the Single European Sky Performance Scheme. The scheme is expected to save billions of Euros to the benefit of airspace users and passengers in these three years. The Commission today announced that the plans are accepted as broadly in line with legally established European Union-wide targets, but has also adopted recommendations to Member States for further improvements.
Aviation: Assessment of the situation in respect of the screening of liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) at EU airports
18/07/2012
The European Commission today adopted its assessment on the screening of liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) at EU airports. The assessment is based on results of trials carried out at a number of EU airports and on extensive consultations with a wide group of stakeholders, it takes stock of the present situation and recommends a way forward in respect of LAGs screening at European airports. The risk posed by liquid explosives to civil aviation is still significant and Liquid Explosive Detection Systems manufacturers have made considerable progress in recent years to develop instruments which can adequately address this risk. The Commission's assessment indicates that the removal of the LAGs restrictions on April 2013, as currently envisaged in EU law, could present a considerable operational risk mainly due to the scale of the change. Faced with security and operational risks and the need to safeguard passenger interests, a phased approach will be necessary to introduce the screening of LAGs. Starting in January 2014, the Commission recommends that passengers should be able to carry on board all duty free LAGs provided that they are screened. In the light of the experience gained and in close cooperation with its European and international partners, the Commission will then bring forward proposals for subsequent phases to achieve the final objective of screening all LAGs at the earliest possible date. To implement these recommendations, the Commission will bring forward proposals to amend the existing legislation on LAGs in Autumn 2012, with the agreement of the Member States and the European Parliament.
Transport: VP Kallas to discuss with ministers how to make intelligent transport systems a reality
16/07/2012
On 16 and 17 July 2012, the transport and telecommunications ministers will meet in an informal council in Nicosia to discuss how to optimise the use of information and communications technologies for transport. Ministers will review means to lift existing barriers to the deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) in the EU. The focus is on access to transport-related "open data", on tools for planning and integrated ticketing for journeys across Europe using various transport modes, and on the deployment of intelligent systems and services on the trans-European transport (TEN-T) network and in European cities.
Vice-President Siim Kallas said: "We need to develop European multimodal journey planners and other ITS applications in Europe. To make the best use of all existing transport modes and infrastructure, we need to ensure the availability, accessibility and exchange of all relevant information, such as schedules, capacity, and paths. The Commission will put forward ideas to support the private sector in developing multimodal transport planning and information services across Europe. This will allow new services like route planners or smart reservation and payment to spread for both passengers and freight, going beyond national borders and offering alternative transport modes."
Road safety: Tougher vehicle testing rule to save lives
13/07/2012
Vehicle checks are fundamental to road safety. More than 5 people die on Europe's roads every day in accidents linked to technical failure. So today the European Commission has adopted new rules to toughen up the testing regime and widen its scope.
Regulators and Stakeholders intensify co-operation to remove restrictions on carry-on liquids at EU/US airports
12/07/2012
As a further sign of good transatlantic cooperation on aviation security and shared interest with business and stakeholders, the European Commission's Directorate General for Mobility and Transport and the United States' Transportation Security Administration (TSA), together with the main European and American aviation stakeholders (airlines, airports, retail associations and liquids equipment manufacturers), signed today a joint statement. This confirms their intention cooperate towards the screening of liquids aerosols and gels (LAGs) at EU/US airports. Based on a roadmap, the sides intend to find a comprehensive risk-based security solution which will facilitate the lifting of the restrictions to LAGs as soon as practical, maintaining security and facilitating passengers and trade in international civil aviation.
Working together to keep Europe at the forefront of international aviation [19 KB]
10/07/2012
Speech by Henrik Hololei, Head of Cabinet for Vice-President Siim Kallas
European Civil Aviation Conference
Strasbourg
Smart cities: making technology work for Europe in the 21st century
10/07/2012
SPEECH/12/545
Smart Cities and Communities Communication launch event
Brussels
Commission launches innovation partnership for Smart Cities and Communities
10/07/2012
One of the greatest challenges facing the EU is how best to design and adapt cities into smart intelligent and sustainable environments. Almost three quarters of Europeans live in cities, consuming 70% of the EU's energy. Congestion costs Europe about 1% of its GDP every year; most of it is located in urban areas. Smart urban technologies can make a major contribution to tackling many urban challenges.
Passenger rights: new smartphone app to give you all your rights while travelling this summer
04/07/2012
Passengers stranded at airports or awaiting missing luggage may now use a smartphone application to check their rights immediately and on the spot. Just in time for the summer holidays, the European Commission has launched an application for smartphones which covers air and rail transport and works on four mobile platforms: Apple iPhone and iPad, Google Android, RIM Blackberry and Microsoft Windows Phone 7. The app is available in 22 EU languages. It currently covers air and rail transport and will be extended to bus / coach and marine travel in 2013 when these rights come into force.
Transport: Vice President Kallas welcomes European Parliament final agreement on new rules to open competition in the rail market
03/07/2012
New EU rules to allow more competition on the rail market look set to come into force by the end of this year, following a final vote of approval in the European Parliament today. The new rules (Rail Recast Directive) tackle 3 major problems on the market: (1) strengthening the power of national regulators; e; (2) improving the framework for investment in rail (3) ensuring fair access to rail infrastructure and rail related services. They are a direct response to many complaints from operators in recent years.
Sustainable urban mobility: Commission campaign boosts support to fight congestion and pollution
03/07/2012
The European Commission’s Sustainable Urban Mobility campaign was launched today and represents a three-year initiative aiming to support sustainable urban mobility campaigners in 31 countries. Activities began today with the opening of a registration system to support outstanding actions for fostering positive change in attitudes and behaviour.
Transport and logistics: Commission looks ahead with new High Level Group
29/06/2012
European Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas responsible for transport met today with top-level representatives of the European transport and logistics sector. The occasion was the launch meeting of the High Level Group on Logistics (HLGL), set up to provide strategic advice on the future transport policy measures with impact on logistics.
"Hitting some turbulence: US-EU Aviation relations" [37 KB]
27/06/2012
VP Kallas speech at Third Transatlantic Aviation Issues Conference, Brussels
How does the Commission regard the cruise industry? [66 KB]
26/06/2012
VP Kallas Speech at 6th European Cruise Council Conference, Brussels
Republic of Moldova to gradually integrate into the European common aviation market
26/06/2012
In the framework of the EU-Moldova Cooperation Council, the Republic of Moldova and the European Union have today signed a comprehensive air services agreement which will make Moldova a full partner of the EU in aviation by gradually integrating into the European common market.
High Level Group report recommends gradual opening of EU road haulage market
20/06/2012
Gradual opening of domestic road transport markets should be considered as a key step towards completing the Single European Transport Area says a report handed over to Vice-President Kallas today. In June 2011, a High Level Group of academics was mandated to draft a report on the situation of the EU road haulage market. The High Level Group considers that allowing a step-by-step opening of the market will increase the flexibility of operations and competition in national markets, whilst ensuring fair competition and maintaining adequate social norms. The Commission will take into consideration these conclusions in its own report on the situation of the EU road haulage market, to be published in 2013.
Germany and the Single European transport area: the road and challenges ahead [20 KB]
19/06/2012
VP Kallas Speech at German Transport Forum event in EP, Brussels
Financing European transport: the road ahead
18/06/2012
SPEECH/12/458
Baltic Development Forum Summit/Copenhagen
Commission clarifies existing rules on cross-border use of longer trucks
15/06/2012
Vice-President Kallas, EU Commissioner responsible for Transport, has today provided the European Parliament and Council with an interpretation of the Directive on weights and dimensions of road vehicles and the conditions to be met when adjacent Member States wish to authorise longer trucks to cross the border between them.
Passenger rights: unfair refusals 'still a problem' for disabled air travellers says Commission
14/06/2012
Many disabled and reduced mobility air travellers still face problems of unjustified refusals, and other unfair demands when attempting to travel. As thousands of disabled Paralympians and spectators prepare to travel to London for the 2012 Olympic Games, the Commission has published guidelines [99 KB] to clarify their rights when travelling by air.
Blue Belt – cutting red tape for ships in EU waters
07/06/2012
SPEECH/12/425
Transport Council
Luxembourg
Transport: New rail link to Brussels Airport shows impact of EU TEN-T financing
07/06/2012
A new rail link connecting the Brussels Airport with the high-speed rail network to Paris/Amsterdam/London/Köln will be inaugurated tomorrow. The new link will allow high-speed trains to stop at the airport on their way to Brussels or Antwerp, giving passengers more flexibility in their travel choices and improving connections between rail and air transport. The project – called Diabolo – has so far received almost €9.7 million in trans-European transport network (TEN-T) co-financing.
Transport and Telecommunications Council
07/06/2012
Vice-President Siim Kallas has welcomed the efforts of the Danish Presidency and the outcome of today's Transport Council in Luxembourg. Ministers reached a partial general approach on the initiative known as the "Connecting Europe Facility". "The establishment of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is one of the key initiatives of the Commission in the context of the proposed package for delivering sustainable growth and jobs", Mr Kallas said. There was also an agreement on some of the Commission proposals for better airports. There was already an agreement in the Council for groundhandling (on 22 March); today agreement has been reached on noise. Vice-President Kallas: "Transport ministers have been able to reach a general approach on this politically sensitive issue, which is an important step. Decisions on noise restrictions will remain clearly up to Member States, but I am also conscious of the impact of restrictions on the aviation network. So we have to ensure a process which is fair and which respects international rules."
Road safety: Commission reports on how blind spot mirrors help reduce road fatalities
05/06/2012
The European Commission published yesterday a report on implementing the legislation known as "blind spot mirrors directive". Directive 2007/38 required the retrofitting of all existing lorries with mirrors aimed at reducing or eliminating blind spots. Blind spots are areas outside the driver's field of vision which are particularly important for the safety of motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians. The report shows that the number of fatalities resulting from accidents involving heavy good vehicles and motorcyclists, cyclists or pedestrians has been effectively reduced following the retrofitting of blind spot mirrors.
EU-US security agreement allows cheaper and faster air cargo operations
01/06/2012
The European Commission and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have agreed to recognise each other's air cargo security regimes from 1 June 2012 on. This recognition will eliminate duplication of security controls and the need to implement different regimes depending on the destination of air cargo. It will substantially cut cargo operators' costs and save time.
“ We are getting rid of duplication of security controls, while preserving high levels of security. This is a big step forwards and it will have a major business impact. Air freight is by definition naturally urgent. Cutting out the duplication of security procedures will mean huge savings for cargo operators in terms of time and money ." said Siim Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for transport.
Building bridges: making more of rail's potential to link Europe and Asia
31/05/2012
SPEECH/12/399
Sochi, Russia
Better connections: using aviation to link and develop Europe's regions
20/05/2012
SPEECH/12/366
Routes Europe 2012
Tallinn
Building bridges: rail's potential to connect Europe to Asia [16 KB]
16/05/2012
VP Kallas speech in Karabük, Turkey
VP Kallas seeks stronger EU-Turkey cooperation on transport
16/05/2012
The Commission Vice-President responsible for transport, Siim Kallas visited Ankara to enhance transport cooperation between the EU and Turkey. In line with the Commission "positive agenda", Vice-President Kallas discussed the establishment of a roadmap for EU transport relations with Turkey, including regular high-level meetings and the establishment of a structured dialogue with Turkish authorities.
Road charging plans must be fair to all drivers
14/05/2012
The European Commission has today issued guidelines warning that under EU law road charging schemes must not discriminate against foreign drivers. The aim is to assist Member States who are considering introducing new charging schemes for private cars.
Vice-President Siim Kallas said: "Non-discrimination is a fundamental right under EU law. It must be as easy for a French or British citizen to drive across Slovenia or Belgium as it is for a resident driver. Road charging systems must be transparent and fair to all."
Steering a course for the future: Europe's ports in the 21st century
11/05/2012
SPEECH/12/352
European Sea Ports Conference
Sopot, Poland
Steering a course for the future: Europe's ports in the 21st century
11/05/2012
Importance of ports for economic recovery and jobs
Sea ports play an important role facilitating the European Union's external trade (90% of the total, in terms of weight) and internal market exchanges (40% of the total). They provide a service to many other industrial sectors and are nodal points of inter-modal logistic chains of key importance for the sustainable growth of transport in Europe.
European ports are also important job generators. At EU level, the extent of the employment effects of port activity (direct, indirect, induced and related activities) represents million of jobs [2 MB] and a significant contribution to economic growth (GDP).
In the perspective of the economic recovery, there is a question of ensuring that economic growth and the creation of jobs are not hampered by constraints in ports and in the links to and from them. Good port services are of key importance for reinforcing the competitiveness of European export companies in world markets.
However, the development of ports and the integration of ports in wider logistic chains remain uneven at European level. Some European ports are important generators of added value and employment at the local, regional, national and even European levels. They serve hinterland areas that go far beyond national boundaries. Some other ports are lagging behind in terms of efficient use of available facilities, reliability in the handling of freight and passenger's services and contribution to sustainable transport effort.
The disparities of performance between different European ports affect the distribution of cargo flows and on the organisation of logistic chains across Europe.
Poor-performing ports represent a missed opportunity – and wasted resources – for the creation of added value and jobs for the concerned regions. Moreover, ports are key nodal points of the Trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-T). Poor-performing ports represent a problem for the smooth functioning of the whole network.
Hearing of the TRAN committee on the TEN-T guidelines
08/05/2012
Hearing of the TRAN committee on the TEN-T guidelines
Brussels
Hearing of the TRAN committee on the TEN-T guidelines
08/05/2012
Speech delivered by Vice-President Siim Kallas at the hearing of the TRAN committee on the TEN-T guidelines
Working together to reduce deaths on Europe's roads
24/04/2012
SPEECH/12/292
European Transport Safety Council, Drink Driving Seminar
Brussels
Keeping passenger ships safe in the 21st century – the European Commission's perspective
24/04/2012
SPEECH/12/290
Passenger Ship Safety Stakeholder Conference
Brussels
Working together to reduce deaths on Europe's roads
24/04/2012
Vice-President Siim Kallas gave the keynote speech at the Drink Driving Seminar organised by the European Transport Safety Council (ETCS). The Commissioner reiterated the importance of working together with stakeholders and Member States to reduce road fatalities, at a time when the rate of decline in road deaths in Europe has slowed down markedly. He particularly condemned drink driving practices which remain a major killer on EU roads.
Ladies and gentlemen
Each year, European roads are the scene of an unacceptable number of fatalities.
Last month we received the latest annual figures for 2011.
They give me particular cause for concern because the rate of decline in road deaths in Europe has slowed down markedly.
This is a worrying change in the trend, given our previous successes in getting the numbers down.
But a trend that has not yet changed is that drink driving remains a major killer on our roads today.
Transport: Commission sets out priorities for passenger ship safety
24/04/2012
EU Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas, today set out the Commission's priorities for passenger ship safety. The keynote speech was delivered at a major passenger ship safety conference in Brussels, hosted by the Commission, to launch a consultation with stakeholders on the priority actions to come.
Vice-President Kallas said: "Tragic accidents, from the Titanic, to the Estonia or the Costa Concordia, put ship safety in the spotlight. There are always lessons to learn from such disasters. But we are not just waiting for the next accident to happen. It would be foolhardy merely to respond after the event. The EU has the toughest ship safety rules in the world and this is the result of a process of continuous improvements, proactive and preventative measures to raise maritime safety standards."
Air transport: the place of Europe's regional airlines in a changing market [38 KB]
18/04/2012
Speech by Henrik Hololei, Head of Vice President Siim Kallas' Cabinet
ERA Regional Airline Conference
Porto, Portugal
Using better rail traffic management to build a single European transport area
16/04/2012
SPEECH/12/265
Conference on the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS)
Copenhagen
Towards a single European rail area: the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS)
16/04/2012
More than 20 national signalling and speed control systems now operate in Europe. Unfortunately, they are not mutually compatible. These technical inefficiencies are a major barrier to the rapidly growing market in rail freight, where the greatest potential comes from cross-border traffic. They are also holding back the development of the wider European transport network.
The European Commission updates the European safety list of airlines subject to an operating ban
03/04/2012
The European Commission has adopted today the 19th update of the European list of air carriers which are for safety reasons subject to an operating ban or operational restrictions within the European Union. Conviasa, an air carrier certified in Venezuela, was added to the list due to safety concerns. Following constructive consultations, Libyan authorities decided to adopt strong measures applicable to all air carriers licensed in Libya, which exclude them from flying into the EU until at least November 2012.
Using freight to help European transport move to a sustainable future
29/03/2012
SPEECH/12/230
Launch of the Green Freight Europe initiative
Road safety: Progress in cutting EU road deaths falls to 2% in 2011
29/03/2012
Progress in cutting road fatalities significantly slowed last year (to -2%) compared with a very promising EU-wide reduction throughout the last decade (on average -6%), according to new figures published today by the European Commission. Worse still, some EU Member States, like Germany and Sweden, who have very strong safety records, now show a significant increase in deaths. In other Member States, like Poland and Belgium – already lagging behind in road safety – the number of deaths went up. The problem of motorcycles – where fatalities have still not fallen after more than a decade – still persists.
Seminar to strengthen the fight against piracy and armed robbery
28/03/2012
The European Commission is organising today and tomorrow an event concerning piracy and armed robbery. These acts are a serious threat not only to the lives of seafarers but to maritime transport as a whole. It is essential that all those concerned continue to act decisively and that the necessary measures are implemented systematically to prevent seamen from falling victim to such attacks and to protect the economy of the marine transport sector.
Vice-President Kallas remarks to Transport Committee on longer modular trucks
26/03/2012
"In a letter sent last month, I have been asked by an industry organisation, the International Road Transport Union whether the cross-border use of longer trucks is forbidden by the current Directive. This is a complex issue.
The wording of certain articles is confusing. It is clear that the Directive allows Member States to go beyond the maximum dimensions, and to allow longer trucks on their territories, in particular vehicles using the modular concept. But the wording of the Directive is less straightforward when it comes to the cross-border use of such vehicles between consenting Member States, and to the conditions attached. Let us be frank: previous attempts of the Commission to provide explanations have failed to bring the legal and complete clarity needed. It seems to me that forbidding vehicles using the modular concept to cross borders between consenting Member States contributes no environmental benefit (strictly, a modular truck could be driven to one side of the border, un-coupled and taken across the border in two parts, and then re-coupled to continue the journey), but simply adds inconvenience by creating artificial obstacles at borders.. Thus, in the light of the IRU letter, I decided to carry out a more detailed analysis together with the Commission services to clarify the legal position.
Their conclusion is that the directive does not prohibit the cross-border use of longer trucks provided a number of conditions are respected.
The response I therefore intend to give to the IRU is that not only can Member States allow the use of longer vehicles for national transport, they can also allow the cross-border use of such longer vehicles, but only on a number of conditions. The first is that both Member States concerned must already permit the use of these vehicles within their borders. No Member State will have to accept longer trucks on its territory if it does not wish to."
Transport ministers back new EU core transport network (TEN-T)
22/03/2012
Transport ministers today reached agreement on proposals to transform the existing patchwork of roads, railways, airports and canals into a unified European transport network. The proposed Regulation for Guidelines for Trans-European Networks (TEN-T) will remove cross-border bottlenecks, upgrade infrastructure and streamline cross-border transport operations for passengers and businesses throughout the EU.
Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas, responsible for transport, said: "This is a very significant step forwards. Transport is the lifeblood of the European economy. And if it does not flow smoothly, our economy will weaken and fail to grow. Ministers have today given strong political backing for plans to build the strategic transport connections necessary to fuel Europe's future economic growth."
Air transport: Member States support revision of EU rules on groundhandling services
22/03/2012
Siim Kallas, European Commission Vice-President with responsibility for transport, today welcomed Member States support for the Commission's proposal on the revision of current EU rules on groundhandling services.
Vice-President Kallas said: "Airports are facing a capacity crunch and three out of four flight delays are caused by problems on the ground, not in the air. There is an urgent need to improve the quality and efficiency of groundhandling services. The agreement today strikes the right balance between giving airlines more choice of quality service providers while strengthening protection for workers in what is a very labour-intensive sector."
Vice-President Kallas send condolences to Belgian State Secretary for Transport
14/03/2012
Dear State Secretary Wathelet,
it was with shock and great sadness that I learned about the terrible coach accident in Switzerland last night in which so many people died. The shock is even greater as most of the victims are children.
Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. On my behalf and on behalf of the European Commission, let me extend our sincerest condolences and expressions of deepest sympathies to the victims of this tragic accident and to their families.
With my heartfelt sympathy,
Siim Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission, Commissioner for Transport
First Smart Mobility Challenge – and the winner is …
12/03/2012
Vice-President Siim Kallas, Commissioner for mobility and transport, announced today the winners of the first Smart Mobility Challenge on European multi-modal journey planners. In the category of 'operational journey planners' the two winners are Idos and Trenitalia, and in the category of 'innovative ideas' the winners are Penelope Ventures GmbH and SNCF. The initiative aimed to promote the development of all-in-one journey planners, going beyond national borders and offering travel options combining different transport modes.
Greening Road transport – EU's Objectives and Actions as Defined in the White Paper [102 KB]
29/02/2012
Speech by Henrik Hololei on behalf of Vice President Siim Kallas at the 2nd IRU /EU Road Transport Conference
EU helps to mobilise investments for transport on the Europe–Caucasus–Asia corridor
28/02/2012
Today the European Commission hosts the Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia (TRACECA) Investment Forum to help attract investments into transport infrastructure between the EU and Central Asia. The high level conference brings together representatives of the international donor community and the countries in TRACECA to discuss potential funding for priority projects.
Europe and southeast Asia: transport partners for the way ahead
15/02/2012
SPEECH/12/96
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore
Singapore
European aviation: challenges, cooperation and the way ahead
13/02/2012
SPEECH/12/88
Aviation Leadership Summit
Raffles City Convention Centre, Singapore
Vice-President Siim Kallas on official visit to Singapore 13-15 February
13/02/2012
Vice-President Siim Kallas, European Commissioner for Transport, will officially visit Singapore from 13 to 15 February.
During his visit he will attend the Singapore Airshow and Aviation Leadership Summit 2012. Vice-President Kallas will meet Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean and Minister for Transport Lui Tuck Yew. The parties will sign an agreement on intelligent transport systems (ITS) that will allow the authorities in Singapore to co-operate with the European Commission in areas such as applying ITS solutions for land and urban transport. The EU Transport Commissioner and Minister Lui will also witness the signing of a second agreement between the European Aviation Safety Agency and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) on aviation safety. At the same time, a third agreement will be signed between the Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research Joint Undertaking and the CAAS to explore ways to co-operate on air traffic management.
112 day: 74 % of Europeans don't know what emergency number to call when travelling in the EU. New campaign
10/02/2012
Whether for skiing holidays, family days out, business travel or visits to this summer's sporting events, including the London Olympics or Euro 2012 UEFA football in Poland and Ukraine, millions of Europeans and visitors need access to emergency services in and outside their home country. Yet only 34% of regular travellers and 26% of all Europeans know that 112 is the single emergency number they can call, both in and outside their home country when in trouble.
Airports: Coping with winter snow - statement by EU Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas
08/02/2012
Snow and extreme weather conditions, particularly record low temperatures, have been severely affecting different parts of Europe over the last week.
It has been a difficult time for the travelling public, as well as for the industry - airports, airlines and partners - trying to deliver a quality service to their passengers in these conditions.
Last year's performance was not good enough. I made it very clear that airports needed to raise their game and set out a series of areas where action was needed to ensure much better preparation by the aviation community for winter weather.
So how are we doing this year? It is still early days. We may have more extreme weather to come. But at this preliminary stage, we see "significant improvements" in particular in terms of the airports' winter snow preparedness.
Safety of passenger ships: EU Transport Commissioner receives commitment from Cruise industry to fully engage in review of passenger ship safety rules at EU and IMO
03/02/2012
Vice-President Siim Kallas, European Commissioner for Transport today was briefed by the board of the European Cruise Council about cruise ship safety. Vice President Kallas announced that the Commission strongly supports a passenger ship safety review at IMO (International Maritime Organisation) to ensure that European citizens can expect state of the art safety measures in place - no matter where they board a passenger ship. The EU Transport Commissioner outlined the need for a twin-track approach with the IMO. Following its ongoing passenger ship safety review, the EU will either propose re-enforcing recent IMO standards or propose new EU minimum norms, some of which could form the basis for new IMO standards.
Infrastructure's key role in tackling the economic crisis
02/02/2012
Faced with an economic crisis, investments in transport are critical for creating employment and a return to economic growth. This is the key message delivered in speech at the European Policy Centre in Brussels today by Siim Kallas, EU Transport Commissioner. "Tackling budget deficits and implementing austerity measures are not the only way to regain market confidence. Reviving growth must be part of the solution. And for this transport is crucial." In his speech Kallas focused on the key issue of transport financing and set out four major deliverables for 2012-2013, to get the conditions for transport financing right. The four deliverables are: the Connecting Europe Facility; ring-fencing money for East-West Connections; getting private sector finance into transport; and making transport more self-financing (looking at road tolling and infrastructure charging schemes.)
European railways: Commission promotes interoperability and competitiveness
25/01/2012
Safety of passenger ships – Costa Concordia accident and Commission review of safety legislation
20/01/2012
Vice-President Siim Kallas, European Commissioner for Transport has asked that the currently ongoing review of EU passenger ship safety legislation take fully into account any lessons to be learnt from the Costa Concordia tragedy. The review will prioritise, in particular, the issues of: design and stability of passenger ships, technological developments in the sector, crew training and safe operation, including emergency evacuation procedures. Vice-President Kallas will outline the Commission's position to the European Parliament's Transport Committee on Tuesday 24 January 2012.
