EU: The European Parliament and the European Commission paid tribute to Ireland's presidency of the Council of Ministers yesterday after an agreement was reached on opening up Europe's railways to greater competition, writes Tim King in Brussels
The gaps between the respective positions of the parliament and the council were bridged during a final negotiating session late on Tuesday night, chaired by the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan.
At a press conference yesterday, Mr Brennan described the deal as "critically important" to revitalising the rail freight market in Europe. It was, he said, all about getting freight off motorways and onto the railways. He said the agreement would create opportunities for new rail operators and he hoped it would bring "a fresh approach to the rail freight business across the Union".
The European Commissioner for transport, Ms Loyola de Palacio, declared herself "very happy" with the result, which will oblige national railways to open their markets for international freight services from the beginning of 2006 and for all freight services one year later. "It is time to use market forces to improve the railways," said the head of the parliament's negotiating team, Ms Charlotte Cederschioeld.
The two sides agreed to set 2010 as the target date for liberalising international passenger services.
Mr Brennan said this target of 2010 would not be easy to achieve but added: "I did detect a willingness amongst ministers to work towards this date." It would depend, he said, on putting in place harmonised safety and regulatory systems.