Minister Berner to Transport and Telecommunications Council

The transport and communications ministers of the European Union will meet in Luxembourg on 8-9 June 2017. In the meeting, Finland will be represented by Minister of Transport and Communications Anne Berner.

The Council is expected to adopt a general approach on a proposal for a directive on updated rules for the training and qualifications of professional lorry and bus drivers. The proposal aims to improve drivers' professional skills and contribute to road safety. It also aims to reduce ambiguity as regards current regulation and exemptions to the directive's obligations and promote the introduction of alternative teaching methods. Finland supports the proposed general approach and its aims.

The Council is expected to adopt conclusions on improving road safety and on priorities for the EU's maritime policy until 2020. Both conclusions are based on declarations adopted by the ministerial conference in Malta on 29 March 2017.

The Maltese Presidency will provide information about the negotiations between the Council and Parliament concerning the directive on the recognition of professional qualifications in inland navigation.

The Commission will brief ministers about road transport initiatives released on 31 May 2017. It will also inform them about a civil aviation package.

In the field of telecommunications, the Council will hear a progress report by the Presidency on the revision of the EU telecoms rules and hold a policy debate on the issue. The overall aim of the package is to promote the provision of broadband connections and electronic communications services and through these the development of the European Digital Single Market. It is Finland's view that in further discussions about the proposal special attention should be paid to deregulation. Finland takes a critical view on centralising the implementation powers and spectrum management.

The objective is to achieve a general approach of the Council on the regulation proposal on cross-border parcel delivery services. Finland is in favour of the Commission's goal to promote the emerging digital internal market within the Union. As a rule, Finland does not consider additional regulation on cross-border parcel delivery services appropriate. Finland is ready to approve the general approach of the Presidency.

The Council will also look at the progress report on a regulation proposal on privacy rules for electronic communications. It is very important for Finland that regulation is part of a coherent package, safeguards fundamental and human rights and takes the developing technology into account.

Inquiries:

Mikael Nyberg, Director-General, tel. +358 40 837 8794, Twitter @nyberg_mikael

Veera Kojo, Senior Officer for Legal Affairs (transport), tel. +358 295 34 2382.

Maaria Mäntyniemi, Ministerial Adviser (telecommunications), tel. + 358 50 444 0922