Minister Berner to Transport and Telecommunications Council

Minister of Transport and Communications Anne Berner will represent Finland at the EU Transport and Telecommunications Council in Brussels on 3-4 December 2018.

The Transport Council will aim to reach a general approach on proposals of the mobility package relating to market access and social aspects of goods and passenger transport as well as to combined transport. The objectives of the entire mobility package are to support the smooth functioning, efficiency and competitiveness of the internal market in road transport and to reduce emissions.

It is important for Finland that a reasonable overall solution will be reached on the mobility package ensuring effective transport markets. The administrative burden of transport operators should not be increased, and the social aspects should be solved through cooperation between the authorities and by increasing monitoring.

Minister Berner says that the mobility package is about the fundamental freedoms of the European Union.

"We have to ensure the free movement of people, goods, services and capital in the EU, and international transport services play a key role in that. This decision, like transport policy in general, must support the climate targets," Berner says.

The Transport Council also seeks for a general approach on road infrastructure safety management.  It is Finland's view that improving road safety is important. The key element is that Member States will have enough room for manouvre in designating the primary roads and targeting the measures. Finland is in favour of regulation on the visibility of road markings and road signs, because this can promote the development of transport automation.

The Council will also discuss a proposal on a general approach on the minimum training of seafarers and on a harmonised service environment in the maritime sector.

The Council will receive a progress report on stopping seasonal time changes. Finland is in favour of rapid advance in this issue.

The Telecommunications Council will aim to agree on a partial general approach on a proposed Digital Europe programme. The Council will take stock of progress on the Regulation on Protection of Privacy in Electronic Communications (ePrivacy). The Council will also be presented with a progress report on establishing the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre and the Network of National Coordination Centres.

The Council will also be briefed on, for example, the adoption of a telecommunications package Directive and the related BEREC (Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communication) regulation. Finland is not in favour of price regulation on international calls within the EU included in the BEREC regulation and has issued a statement on the matter.

Inquiries:
Maaria Mäntyniemi, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 50 444 0922
Erik Asplund, Chief Specialist (mobility package), tel. +358 295 34 2277