An informal meeting of European Union energy and transport ministers will be held on 19-21 September in Tallinn. Minister of Transport and Communications Anne Berner and Minister for Housing, Energy and the Environment Kimmo Tiilikainen will represent Finland in the meeting.
The main themes of the transport ministers' meeting are the current implementation of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) instruments and the Trans-European Network (TEN), infrastructure development and financing beyond 2020, and air connectivity in Europe.
"The EU financing system for transport networks should be long term, efficient and transparent. The development of the Trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-T) should take into account the European Arctic region and its connections. Transport networks should be developed so that they reach the Arctic Ocean," says Minister of Transport and Communications Anne Berner.
The energy and transport ministers will have a joint session to discuss infrastructure development. The transport ministers will also discuss the transport sector's investment policy beyond 2020. Finland holds it important that the transport, communications and energy networks are considered one coordinated package.
According to Finland, the EU financing should primarily support new technologies, transport automation and emission reduction. Funds should be targeted to regional development projects that benefit all Member States, to connecting different parts of the network and to removing bottlenecks. In Finland, traditional direct support has so far worked better than innovative means of funding in transport investments implemented by the State.
The transport ministers will also discuss European air transport connections and connectivity. Because of Finland's geographical location, it is important that air transport connections are comprehensive. This could be best ensured by open air transport policies both within the Union and with third countries.
Inquiries: Mr Mikael Nyberg, Director-General, tel. +358 40 837 8794, [email protected], Twitter @nyberg_mikael
