EU-standpunt over vervoer binnen het grondgebied van de OVSE (en)

Finnish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

Reinforced Permanent Council No. 621

20July 2006

EU Statement on Dialogue and Action on Transport in the OSCE

The EU thanks the Belgian Chairmanship for preparing the Perception Paper on "dialogue and action on transport in the OSCE" (CIO.GAL/134/06, 13 July 2006). The EU is convinced that the Economic and Environmental Dimension is an essential element of the OSCE's comprehensive approach to security. In this sense, it provides value in addressing the security threats and challenges caused by economic and environmental factors through facilitating dialogue and raising awareness.

In this spirit, and in accordance with the EU Closing Statement made at the Economic Forum in Prague, the European Union is closely examining the Elements for Ministerial Council decisions attached to the Perception Paper as well as proposals on concrete follow-up actions presented at the Forum. 

The EU reiterates its support to the general efforts to stimulate the political dialogue on the role of transport in furthering and maintaining stability and security, in enhancing regional cooperation and in facilitating resolution of conflicts. We would like to mention in this context the possibilities offered by the Needs Assessment Study conducted in South Ossetia, Georgia and the projects to be undertaken on that basis. With respect to efforts to stimulate regional co operation among landlocked developing countries, the EU takes note of the joint statement made by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in the Prague Economic Forum.

Recalling the EU Closing Statement at the Economic Forum, the EU emphasizes the possibility to further develop the co-operation with the UNECE as defined by the Memorandum of Understanding, and with other international partner organizations.

Efficient and secure transport requires good public and corporate governance and well-functioning institutions at all levels. These are essential foundations for a sound economy and vital means in reducing poverty and inequality and in increasing social integration and opportunities for all. The EU has a number of relevant instruments in this field and is willing to share its experience with interested partners.

The EU also maintains that transportation should not be developed without considering its impact on the environment. A comprehensive approach is needed to advance and strengthen the interdependent and mutually reinforcing pillars of sustainable development, which are economic and social development and environmental protection.

With respect to the proposed Elements for decisions attached to the Perception Paper on transport, the EU looks forward to further discussions on operational activities in the Economic and Environmental Sub-Committee taking into account their complementarity, comparative advantage and added value as well as available expertise and resources. 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia, as well as the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this statement.

*Croatia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process