Brussels, 12/04/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 12 April, one year after the eruption of the Icelandic volcano Eyafjallajökull and the ensuing and practically total paralysis of European aviation, the European Commission set out progress accomplished since then at international and European levels to strengthen response to such disasters. In order to verify progress, the Commission, Eurocontrol (European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation) and the European Air Safety Agency (EASA) are to take part, on 13 and 14 April, in an exercise simulating a volcanic ash crisis under the auspices of the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation). The results of the exercise as well as an assessment of progress are to be presented by the Commission to the EU27 transport ministers meeting in Council on 16 June. If necessary, the Commission will, during the same Council, make other proposals for taking the matter forward. At this stage, and at a European initiative set out in the Commission communiqué, the ICAO: - has finalised review of emergency plans for volcanic ash crisis management, including harmonised guidelines on aircraft alarm systems in the event of volcanic eruption and on procedures to be followed in the event of airspace closure; - and has set in place a “Volcanic Ash Task Force” entrusted, inter alia, with the task of preparing guidelines, due in June, on flight management and on procedures to be followed by national authorities. (A.By./transl.jl)