Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council, 01-05/12/2016 - Main results - 1 December
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
New rules for roaming markets
30/11/2016
New rules on telecom market with no roaming charges
Transport
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 forpassenger 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
Agenda highlights
Telecommunications - 2 December
Roaming
The ministers are expected to agree on a general approach on a proposal on regulating wholesale roaming markets in the EU. The rules must be in place by 15 June 2017 to abolish roaming fees on that date as agreed in the roaming regulation last year. The goal is to agree on wholesale caps that allows for surcharge-free roaming in a sustainable manner, without distorting either the home markets or the visited markets.
WiFi4EU
The Council will be invited to adopt a partial general approach on a proposal to promote high-speed internet connectivity in local communities (Wifi4EU).
Energy - 5 December
More information to follow.