COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION:Council agrees on railway safety and debates improved EU rules on air passenger rights

11/10/2013

The Transport, Telecommunication and Energy Council met on 10 October to discuss several key transport issues including rail safety and EU rules on air passenger rights.

The Council agreed its general approach on new railway safety rules. The revised directive, a recast of the 2004 railway safety directive and part of the '4th railway package', proposes centralised safety certification for EU rail operators. The Council have instead proposed a dual system of certification with a single safety certificate. Final adoption of the revised proposal will require the approval of both the Council and the European Parliament.

Ministers also discussed a proposed update to EU rules on air passenger rights. The aim is to clarify current rules for delayed or cancelled flights and improve the handling of complaints and enforcement of passenger rights. Discussions focussed on:

• new provisions on missed connections and their consequences for passengers and air carriers/tour organisers
• how compensation for long delays should be regulated 

• Railway safety - Council agrees its position