Brussels, 01/08/2012 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission and Israel initialled a comprehensive aviation agreement on 30 July, after negotiations between the two parties were finalised on 22 March of this year. The agreement will see the EU and Israel gradually open up and integrate their respective markets, strengthen cooperation and offer new opportunities for industry and consumers, in the form, for example, of more travel opportunities, more direct connections and economic benefits.
Ultimately a common aviation area will be established between the EU and Israel based on common rules. The agreement will replace all the bilateral air agreements between Israel and EU member states. This forms part of a wider initiative which seeks to set up a single aviation area with the EU's neighbours to the East and South.
The Israeli Transport Minister approved the draft text of the agreement on Sunday 29 July. The European Union still needs a Council decision before the agreement can be signed. Once all the procedures have been completed, the agreement will come into force. (MD/transl.rt)