TRAN MEPS EXCHANGE OF VIEWS WITH COMMISSIONER VĂLEAN
On 25 April, Commissioner Vălean updated the TRAN Committee on the latest and upcoming transport-related proposals.
The Commissioner noted that 2023 remains a busy year for transport-related policies, mentioning the recently published Road Safety Package, the upcoming Greening Freight Package and the ongoing inter-institutional negotiations between Parliament and the Council regarding the revision of the TEN-T network. Additionally, the Commissioner reconfirmed the Commission's goal to make the transport sector more sustainable and the Commission’s support for Ukraine through initiatives such as the EU solidarity lanes.
Whereas the ambitions of the Commission were met positively by MEPs, there was concern about the publication delays of some proposals such as the EU Slot Regulation, indicating that there may not be enough time to conclude negotiations before the European election of May 2024. Others stressed on the need to establish a European framework on the recognition of third country driving licenses to alleviate on the shortages of professional drivers in the EU.
Commissioner Vălean noted that the Commission was doing its best to finalise and publish proposals as soon as possible. She also said that the Commission is of course aware of the shortage of truck drivers in the EU, agreeing that there was a need to harmonise the recognition of third country driving licenses and to improve the working condition of drives to attract a new generation of professionals to the sector. She also expressed the need for more safe and secure truck parking areas (SSTPAs) across the EU.