Minister of State for Infrastructure Pál Völner gave account of the Hungarian Presidency's transport policy achievements to the competent committee (TRAN) in Brussels on 12 July 2011. He explained that relying on the work of the preceding Spanish and Belgian partners in the trio presidency, Hungary completed the ambitious transport policy objectives nearly without an exception.

According to the Commission's evaluation, the past six months were among the most successful terms of presidency in transport policy.

Pál Völner added that at the most significant transport-related events during the Presidency term, the meeting held in February 2011 at Gödöllő about the TEN-T review, the ministers adopted the Commission's working document about the planning and execution-related issues of the TEN-T policy as an appropriate starting basis. At that time the representatives of the European Commission indicated that they would take the Member States' opinions into account. The bilateral consultations held in the meantime and the presidency conclusions drawn at the ministerial meeting may serve as guidelines for the Commission before the expected autumn issue of the draft TEN-T legislation. In addition to transport policy considerations, the TEN-T trans-European transport network is of overriding significance for transport policy considerations. Exclusively transport projects planned in this network may be granted support from the European Union's TEN-T budget. During the utilisation of the resources earmarked within the Cohesion Fund for transport projects, preference is given to the TEN-T elements in railway transport and river navigation. Only and exclusively TEN-T elements may be financed in the field of public road development.

Following intensive preparatory negotiations about the White Book, which sets out the main directions in European transport policy for the next decade, at the June 2011 Council meeting, the Hungarian Presidency conducted a pivotal debate with the Member States. The most important and urgent tasks identified by the contributing Member States included the reinforcement of the European transport research and innovation policy, the interconnection of transport networks, completion of the Single European Transport Region, the development of new financing mechanisms and coherent co-financing frameworks for the improvement and maintenance of the transport infrastructure, and the launching of additional local and national actions to improve public road security, and the spread of smart transport systems. The presidency summary closing the ministerial debate and the written contributions made by the Member States provides the European Parliament with an appropriate picture of the positions developed in the Council. These provide a starting-point for the European Commission for the eventual elaboration of specific initiatives.

The Minister of State considered the fact that the series of negotiations on the amendment of the directive on the infrastructure use toll charged for heavy goods vehicles ("Eurovignette"), which had been dragging on for two years, was successfully closed during the term of the Hungarian presidency as a genuine success. One of the most significant regulations of this field allows the application of the "polluter pays" principle in public road transport. The amendment was adopted by the European Parliament on its 7 June 2011 meeting.

The proposal aimed at redrafting the first railway package will promote the integration and development of the European rail market. The creation of the single internal market will improve the competitiveness of the transport of persons and goods by rail, giving an opportunity to increasing its share compared to other modes of transport. Based on the general approach adopted at the June 2011 Council meeting, consultations are under way with the European Parliament on the finalisation of drafts.

Among the completed tasks undertaken by the Hungarian Presidency, Pál Völner mentioned the high-level conference on the establishment of the Single European Sky, the EU's admission to the Convention concerning International Carriage by Rail (COTIF), the mid-term review of the execution of the European GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems), and the adoption of Council conclusions on further support to secure, efficient and environment friendly inland transport.

The Minister of State thanked Parliament for their balanced and efficient co-operation. "The mutual achievements contributed to the European Union's capacity to give appropriate responses to the challenges faced by its transport system, reinforce the European economy, and promote ensuring welfare for the citizens of Europe."

(Ministry of National Development , Department of Communication)