During the Swedish Presidency, Minister for Communications Åsa Torstensson has chaired the Transport and Telecommunications Councils. Here she talks about the greatest challenges the Councils have had to tackle and the successes she sees as most important for the continued development of the EU in these areas. The film is in Swedish and a transcript in English is provided below.

Åsa Torstensson, how would you sum up the Swedish Presidency?

These six months have been characterised by two major challenges – the economic crisis and climate change. It has been important to address both future transport policy and the coming IT policy, and we have also laid the foundation for continued work on these issues.

What do you regard to be the greatest successes in the Transport Council during the autumn?

I would first like to say that I am extremely proud of the fact that we have improved passengers’ rights – both on bus and boat journeys. This is extremely important and will be of great significance in the future.

Of course, I am also pleased that we have agreed with the Parliament on the coming ITS Directive, the Intelligent Transport Systems Directive. It is vital that we use modern technology to address both the challenge of climate change and the economic crisis.

What do you regard to be the greatest successes in the area of telecommunications?

The greatest success is, of course, the agreement with the Parliament on the telecoms package, which is very important for the industry as well as individual consumers in Europe.

Of all the decisions taken in your areas of responsibility during the autumn, which do you think will have the greatest impact on the everyday life of the average EU citizen?

I would say two decisions. The first is the telecoms package, which is important for citizens in their everyday lives, but also for jobs and companies. The other is passengers’ rights, which will improve conditions for travellers throughout Europe.

What will these changes entail?

One specific example is that passengers will have the same rights and equal opportunities to travel using various means of transport – regardless of whether they need assistance or not.

Now it is time for Spain to take over the Presidency – what advice would you like to impart to them?

Cooperation is the key to achieving results in difficult issues! It is important to involve the Parliament in discussions, and it is equally important to cooperate closely with the other Member States and the Commission. We have enjoyed good cooperation with Spain, and I would like to wish them the very best of luck and every success for the coming six months.