Transport priorities during the Danish EU Presidency

From 1 July, Denmark will chair the Council of the European Union and will therefore lead the negotiations in the Council. In the area of transport policy Denmark has a number of priorities.

- Cooperation within the EU's borders are more important than ever, and this also applies to the transport sector. In the light of the international geopolitical situation, one of the main tasks for me is to prepare and strengthen the transport sector for the challenges of the future. As we hold the Presidency we will work to strengthen the competitiveness of the transport sector and work to advance the green transition of transport. We will be prioritising the negotiations of the Weight and Dimensions Directive, to ensure an optimal framework for transporting more cargo per vehicle, says Danish Minister for Transport Thomas Danielsen.

The Danish government presented the overall priorities for the Danish Presidency on 19 June. At the latest TTE(transport) Council meeting, Minister for Transport Thomas Danielsen thanked the Polish presidency for the great work and progress they have made. 

- The polish presidency has worked on a number of important files, most recently the file on air passenger rights. I look forward to continuing the work, for the benefit of the entire EU. One thing that is particularly on my mind is a simplification of regulation. We must focus on reducing the administrative burdens on the transport sector to make it easier to do business in the EU, says Thomas Danielsen.

The Danish Presidency’s priorities in the transport sector:

The green transition of the transport sector

The green transition of the transport sector has been a key issue for the EU for several years, and the work and ambitions will continue during the Danish Presidency. Amongst other things, the Danish Presidency will work to achieve a general approach on the Directive on Weight and Dimensions so that more goods can be transported per vehicle, thereby making the best possible use of both the vehicles and the infrastructure.

The resilience and competitiveness og the transport sector

A well-functioning and connected European transport sector is crucial for promoting a competitive internal market in the EU. The Danish Presidency will work to reach a final agreement with the European Parliament on the regulation on rail infrastructure capacity.

The transport network on the European continent must remain strong and therefore the Danish Presidency will also be ready to initiate negotiations on proposals for possible sectoral legal acts on the EU's efforts in the field of transport in connection with a new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) after 2027.

Strengthened cooperation with Ukraine and Moldova

With the increased global level of conflict, it is crucial that the EU continues to show solidarity and support for Ukraine. This applies to all areas - including the transport sector. Therefore, it is also a priority for the Danish Presidency that cooperation with and for Ukraine continues and is strengthened. The Danish 
Presidency will therefore work on a possible extension of the road freight transport agreements between the EU and Moldova and Ukraine. In addition, the Danish Presidency will prioritize a revision of the Transport Community Treaty, so that Ukraine and Moldova can be fully integrated into the current cooperation between the EU and the Western Balkans.

Reducing administrative burdens

The transport sector is by definition cross-border and therefore the sector is largely regulated by European rules. The Danish Presidency will work to make it easier to do business in Europe by focusing on clarifying the costs associated with introducing administrative burdens when new legislation is negotiated.

Proposal on air passenger rights

The Polish Presidency has succeeded in reaching an agreement in the Council on the proposal on air passenger rights. The proposal aims to ensure a balance between air passenger rights and the competitiveness of airlines. The Council agreement includes, among other things, rules that passengers are entitled to meals after two hours of waiting regardless of the flight distance, deadlines for compensation payments are introduced and the possibilities for rerouting are improved. In addition, the time thresholds for when passengers are entitled to compensation are changed to 4 and 6 hours, respectively, depending on the flight distance. The Danish Presidency will continue where the Polish Presidency left off and will initiate negotiations with the European Parliament.

The Danish Presidency will also initiate negotiations with the European Parliament on the Commission's proposal on the enforcement of passenger rights across all modes of transport in the EU.

Greenhouse gas emissions from transport services accounting

The Danish Presidency will initiate negotiations with the European Parliament on a regulation on the accounting of greenhouse gas emissions from transport services. The purpose of the proposal is to create a common basis for calculating an overview of the transport sector's emissions. 

Roadworthiness package

Negotiations have been initiated on the vehicle inspection rules. The Danish Presidency will continue the negotiations and work to achieve a general position in the Council.

General Assembly of the UN Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

The General Assembly will be held in the autumn of 2025. During the General Assembly the direction for the work on international aviation regulation going forward will be determined. The Danish Presidency will ensure coordination of the European position in connection with the General Assembly.