“We take over the Presidency of the Council of the EU at a key moment in the negotiation process on the first «Mobility Package»,” stated Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications, Ivaylo Moskovski before the Committee on Transport and Tourism of the European Parliament during the presentation of the priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU in the field of Transport. According to him, the work on the dossiers on access to the market and to the profession will continue, as well as the specific legislation on posting of drivers, hired vehicles and interoperability of electronic road toll systems.
The legislative proposals under the first “Mobility Package” must be based on fair and balanced solutions that take into account the need for adequate protection of drivers, along with the exercise of the fundamental freedom to provide services, Ivaylo Moskovski said.
The development of intermodal transport is another major priority for the European transport policy. The Presidency has already started working on a revision of the Directive on the establishment of common rules for the combined transport of goods. The existing directive dates back 25 years and has not been transposed uniformly in the legislation of individual countries, which prevents its potential from being unleashed. The transfer of goods from long-distance road transport to rail, inland waterways and maritime transport aims at reducing the negative effect on the environment as well as on the road infrastructure, Ivaylo Moskovski said.
The potential for goods exchange and large-scale investments between Europe and Asia necessitates the development of transport links along the Danube, the Black Sea and the extension of the Trans-European Transport Network to the Western Balkan countries, stated Ivaylo Moskovski. He emphasized the necessity of a deeper partnership with the countries in this region, with a view to integrating the transport systems. The Connecting Europe Facility and other financial instruments should also contribute to the dynamism and deepening of cooperation in the region.
Another measure will be taken towards improving the current legal framework on rail passengers’ rights, which is an essential element in improving the quality of services. Оther events in the calendar of the Bulgarian Presidency will be dedicated to topics such as railway financing and its future development, air connectivity, and European maritime policy.
Bulgaria has taken over the presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 January 2018 and its term will last until 30 June 2018.
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