Press Release: Transport, Telecommunications and Energy (Transport Items) Council, Brussels, 10 October 2013

Main results of the Council:

The Council agreed on a general approach on a recast of the 2004 railway safety directive, which is part of the technical pillar of the fourth railway package. The purpose of the recast is to further improve the safety of the Union's railways and facilitate access to the market for rail transport services.

The Council also agreed on a general approach on a proposal aimed at bringing the regulation on the GNSS (global navigation satellite system) Agency into line with the forthcoming regulation on the implementation of European satellite navigation systems. In particular, the proposal sets out to ensure that security accreditation of the European satellite navigation systems is carried out independently within the agency.

In addition, the Council adopted a general approach on a proposal for financing the European Maritime Safety Agency's activities to combat marine pollution in the years 2014 to 2020.

In the field of aviation, the Council adopted its position - pending the consultation with the European Parliament - on a proposal aimed at extending until 31 December 2024 the mandate of the Joint Undertaking which manages the development of the Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research (SESAR) project.

Lastly, the Council held a policy debate on a proposed update of the EU rules on air passenger rights. The update is intended to clarify the current rules that apply in the event of delayed or cancelled flights, and to improve other aspects such as handling of complaints and enforcement of passenger rights.

Council of the European Union: Press Release: PRES/13/405: Railway safety - Council agrees its position http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/trans/138961.pdf

ESO: Background information: Rail safety: Commission welcomes significant progress achieved at Transport Council http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-rail-safety-commission-welcomes-significant-progress-achieved-at-transport-council/

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