Latvian presidency sets transport priorities

On 1 January, Latvia took over the six-month rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union from Italy. Latvia will focus on three priorities during its presidency: facilitation of EU competiveness as a key to economic growth and jobs; full exploitation of the digital potential of the European economy; reinforcing the role of the European Union in the world. In addition, the Latvian presidency wishes to ensure that the Council contributes to the implementation of the European Council's five-year strategic agenda in the areas of
protection of citizens, an Energy Union with a forward-looking climate policy, and a Union of freedom, security and justice. According to the Latvian presidency’s programme, maritime transport is, and will be, an important long-term contributor to Europe’s economy and the quality of life of the European people.

The presidency will strive to secure the right international environment for maritime transport and intends to promote all the initiatives facilitating growth and enhancing competitive European shipping. As regards the ports sector, once the European Parliament has adopted its first reading position, the presidency may seek further progress on the Commission’s proposal to establish a framework for market access to port services and the financial transparency of ports.

With regard to land transport, strengthening the European railway network will be a distinctive part of the presidency. Progress on the Fourth Railway Package is instrumental for the development of the single EU transport area, which contributes to a more competitive and modern public transport infrastructure across the EU. The presidency will continue the discussions on all parts of the package, and will work to finalise negotiations with the European Parliament on the technical pillar based on the substantial progress achieved during previous presidencies. In order to achieve further progress on the remaining elements of the package, discussions started by the Italian presidency will be continued.

 The presidency will also formalise the agreement reached on the weights and dimensions proposal. In order to highlight the importance of TEN-T, the presidency will initiate ministerial discussions focusing on the development, implementation and financing of the TEN-T transport network infrastructure. This will be also an opportunity to look at the practical implementation of the investment plan for Europe in the field of transport.