Lithuanian and Slovenian ministers of transport discussed the prospects for cooperation, and issues regarding the Mobility Package
Minister of Transport and Communications Marius Skuodis met remotely with Minister of Infrastructure of Slovenia Jernej Vrtovec and discussed the possibilities for strengthening cooperation in maritime and air transport, which is important for improving the economies and connectivity of both countries. The priorities of Slovenia, which will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2021, were also reviewed during the meeting: containment of the pandemic, acceleration of the green and digital transitions.
The Lithuanian Minister, having discussed the priorities of the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU and particular attention to the development of sustainable, innovative and eco-friendly transport, noted that these directions are important for increasing the competitiveness of the community economy as a whole and the recovery of the transport sector.
"We welcome the priorities of the upcoming Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU – the development of electromobility and digitalisation, increasing the resilience to future crises – and we have a similar objective to promote innovation in the Lithuanian transport system. We see the as yet undiscovered potential to strengthen international and regional cooperation between the two countries, and Slovenia's experience in developing international connectivity in the region of South East Europe is relevant to us. In this context, the Rail Baltica project, which in 2026 will bring the three Baltic States closer to the entire European railway system, is of particular importance" said Skuodis, the Minister of Transport and Communications.
Minister of Infrastructure of Slovenia Vrtovec invited the Minister of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Lithuania to develop air connectivity and establish cooperation between the ports of Klaipėda and Koper. The two interlocutors agreed to support mutually beneficial initiatives in the areas of trade and tourism.
The ministers exchanged views and insights on the Mobility Package. Minister Skuodis stressed that by implementing the return of trucks to their operational centre, cabotage and some other requirements, the country's transport companies find themselves in a less favourable position. In addition, the requirement to return a vehicle to its country of origin is in conflict with the objectives regarding climate change and commitments to reduce pollution in the transport sector.
According to the Minister of Infrastructure of Slovenia, mobility issues will be an important part of the agenda of the Slovenian Presidency for the Council of the EU.
Last updated: 08-03-2021
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