The European Community transport policy must aim to promote environmentally friendly modes of transport. This was emphasised by Mr. Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Minister of Transport and Communications of Finland as he addressed the European Parliament Committee of Regional Policy, Transport and Tourism on Thursday 23 September.

Minister Heinonen presented to the Committee Members the focal points in transport policy during the Finnish Presidency, especially the issues on the agenda of the Transport Council. As the country holding the EU Presidency, Finland aims to promote the building of an efficient transport system and the integrating of environmental protection demands into the transport policy. Further general objectives in the field of transport policy are to enhance the use of information technology and telematic services in transport and to incorporate regional equality into transport and infrastructure policy.

Minister Heinonen presented to the Committee a report that deals with integrating environmental aspects into transport policy. In the report, the Council sets itself short-term objectives for examining infrastructure pricing, revitalising railways, and promoting intermodality, public transport and waterway transport. The report will be presented to the Helsinki European Council in December.

Finland aims to promote the gradual deregulation of railways. The matter will be on the agenda of the Transport Council on 6 October in a package with other statute proposals on railway infrastructure. Minister Heinonen stressed that the aim in the deregulation process is not to bring about a dramatic change but a gradual and well-considered process taking employment and the social effects into account. In Finland, preparations are made to gradually deregulate railways. Proposals on the matter will be made after the EU Presidency.

In his address, Minister Heinonen drew attention to driving time restrictions for heavy goods vehicles. The October Transport Council will discuss the possible harmonisation of Member States´ restrictions. Harmonisation would help the hauliers to plan international transportation better.


For further information, please contact:
Reino Lampinen, Consulting Officer/Permanent Representation of Finland to the EU,
tel. +358 50 515 1303
Kaj-Peter Mattsson, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 9 160 2523, +358 40 548 3447
Jaana Aronen-Beversdorf, Information Officer, tel. +358 9 160 2334, +358 40 527 2599