Yesterday and today, 20-21 September in Tallinn, the European transport ministers focused on ways to ensure better flight connections in the European periphery.
"There are currently two ways in which the European Union is able to increase the number of air links needed: setting public service obligations for airlines and providing state aid," explained Kadri Simson, the Estonian Minister for Economic Affairs and Infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Estonia has been analysing the possibility of providing international air services with public service contracts to European economic centres but has found that it cannot be implemented in full compliance with the requirements of the European Union without compromising the competitive environment. For this reason, this current approach is more suitable for local not international connections.
"Therefore, we need a solution that would ensure sufficient air connections while not jeopardising free competition in the single EU aviation market. It remains to be seen whether the European Union will be able to create opportunities that will provide all member states with solutions to ensure good connections," the minister said.
European Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc confirmed that good transport connections are an important issue for the European Commission, and all modes of transport must be considered. "I believe that only when we include other modes of transport (in addition to air connections), can the provision of connections become sustainable," said Bulc.
Today, the EU transport ministers will continue discussions in the Tallinn Creative Hub (Kultuurikatel) to chart the policies and investment needs for the development of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) in the next funding period, that is, post-2020. On the second day of the meeting, the focus will be on the results of the previous projects of TEN-T, the CEF mid-term review and on discussing the use of possible sources of funding (including innovative sources) for building up the TEN-T during the next funding period.
Today, at 12.30, a press conference will be held, where the Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc and the Estonian Minister for Economic Affairs and Infrastructure Kadri Simson will give an overview of the day.
The press conference will be live streamed on the TTE event site.