Zweden wil slimmer transport in de Europese Unie (en)

Anna Halvarsson works with transport issues at the Permanent Representation of Sweden to the EU in Brussels. This autumn she is chairing two working parties within the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council. Their focus is primarily on shaping the transport of the future.

Anna is Chair of the Working Party on Transport – Intermodal Questions and Networks (horizontal questions) and the Working Party on Land Transport. The groups act as arenas for negotiations between the EU Member States and prepare for meetings in the Council of Ministers. The country that holds the Presidency should not primarily argue in favour of its own views, but rather lead the work and attempt to achieve agreement between all the Member States.

Is it more difficult to represent the entire EU rather than just Sweden?

“This change of focus is something that we discussed a lot here at the Permanent Representation ahead of the Presidency. A good chair is neutral, impartial and tries to find the middle ground. That said, the Presidency country can have a vested interest in demonstrating its ability to act and seeking to achieve results by driving the negotiations forward. Of course in Sweden being open and transparent is also something of a hobby horse, and it is something we also want to emphasise in our Presidency role.”

What issues will be discussed in the area of transport during the autumn?

“The policy document, or White Paper, that has governed transport policy since 2001 will soon cease to apply and it is time to draft a new one. It will guide our work for the next decade from 2010 onwards. We will also be working on a directive for the coordinated introduction of intelligent transport systems (ITS), and conducting negotiations on a transport treaty between the EU and the countries of the Western Balkans.”

Can you give any examples of current transport issues that affect the day-to-day lives of EU citizens?

“The issue of intelligent transport systems is important because it will make transport more efficient and environmentally friendly. By making better use of information on, for example, congestion, accidents and roadworks on the roads, journeys can be planned in a smarter way, both within one country and across borders.”