Commission presents work programme for 2011

The Commission published at the end of October its work programme for next year. The new initiatives that the Commission will propose and initiate in 2011 have a strong focus on accelerating recovery. One of the key elements in that respect will be the proposals for the next multi-annual financial framework of the EU (2014-2020). The work programme not only sets out priorities for 2011 but also announces initiatives for the period 2012-2014.
Among the strategic initiatives scheduled for adoption in 2011 features the White Paper on the future of transport. Although initially announced for the end of this year, this policy document is now expected for the first quarter of 2011. It will define the overall framework for actions in the next ten years in the field of transport infrastructure, internal market legislation, decarbonisation of transport, technology for traffic management and clean vehicles, as well as the use of standardization, market based instruments and incentives. As concerns ports, it remains to be seen to what extent the White Paper will assess current port policy, in particular as regards market opening and financing. Other strategic initiatives include a revision of the Working Time Directive, a revision of State aid rules applicable to services of general economic interest, a new ‘airports package’ and initiatives on smart border controls.
Next to the strategic priorities, the work programme also contains an indicative list of possible initiatives under consideration for 2011. Among these feature a legislative initiative on concessions to provide legal clarity and certainty as to the rules governing award of concession contracts as well as modernisation of the EU public procurement legislative framework. Other initiatives include guidelines on State aid to maritime transport (not ports), a social maritime package, a communication on international transport policy regarding neighbouring countries, a strategic transport technology plan, a legislative proposal on maritime spatial planning, a review of the list of priority substances under the Water Framework Directive, a communication on implementing EU environmental law and policy, a legislative proposal on the establishment of a European border surveillance system and Green Papers on professional qualifications and corporate governance.
Finally, the list of initiatives for 2012-2014 foresees measures to include maritime transport emissions in the EU’s greenhouse gas reduction commitment (if no international rules are agreed by then), a revision of the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive, a blueprint to safeguard Europe’s water resources, a communication on sustainable growth in coastal regions and maritime sectors, a communication on integration of maritime surveillance, a Regulation on marine knowledge, a communication and legislative proposal on rail market access, a review of guidelines on national regional aid, a communication on services of general interest, a review of professional qualifications legislation and an evaluation of the state of the Customs Union.

Source: Transportweekly