Copenhagen, 23/03/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 22 March, the EU finalised an aviation agreement with the State of Israel, which will lead to the establishment of a common airspace between the two entities, on the basis of common rules. This agreement is the result of negotiations started in 2008, and should lead to new opportunities for both markets, which will gradually open up between now and 2017. For industry and consumers, this will also translate into more direct connections and lower prices. Lastly, Israel will be subject to European legislation in the field of aviation (security, passengers' rights, the environment, etc). The European Transport Commissioner, Siim Kallas, said after the signing of the agreement that this was a very important agreement for 'further strengthening the overall economic, trade and tourism relations between Israel and the EU. Israel is a key partner for the EU and the agreement will do much to develop the aviation links between the two partners and establish a high level of regulatory convergence.' (MD/transl.fl)