Brussels, 08/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - The economic affairs committee of the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, has called for the Open Sky agreement with the EU to be reviewed. This decision, taken at the end of last week, effectively puts a block on this comprehensive aviation agreement, negotiation of which was completed in Tel Aviv on 22 March 2012.
“After eight rounds of talks, beginning in December 2008, Israel and the EU agreed to set up a common air space, based on common rules”, Brussels says. The agreement will “give both parties more opportunities for movement, more direct links and economic benefits”. It will allow “all EU airlines to fly direct to destinations in Israel from anywhere in the EU, and Israeli carriers will be able to fly to airports anywhere in Europe”.
Under the terms of the agreement, the EU-Israel air transport market will be “gradually opened up between now and the start of the summer season 2017”, after which date the market will be completely opened up: “There will be no further restrictions on the number of weekly flights between Israel and the EU.” Israeli airlines (El Al, Arkia and Israir), however, have shown that they are not ready to face increased competition from European airlines, it is reported in Israel. In addition, other commentators have said, one of the objections to opening up the Israeli sky relates to security issues. Security is seen as being tighter with the Israeli companies.
While awaiting further information, sources close to the matter in Brussels have expressed their disappointment at the decision. Formal conclusion of the agreement would have provided a further indication of Israel's desire to become part of the European Economic Area. Ultimately, it is Israel's tourism sector and consumers who suffer as a result of this decision. (FB/transl.rt)