Brussels, 17/04/2013 (Agence Europe) - During the visit of European Commissioner Siim Kallas to Washington on 17-18 April, EU-US relations on transport, particularly aviation will be discussed. Although no major decision is expected to be taken, this meeting with US senior officials, including secretaries of state, will, however, provide an opportunity to push forward certain matters, such as security and the EU's emissions trading scheme (ETS).
The European Union and the US account for 45% of the global aviation market. Enhanced cooperation in this area is therefore necessary, not only in security matters but also in the fight against climate change. Commissioner Kallas is therefore expected to put pressure on the US authorities for a solution to be found which can substantially reduce CO2 emissions from aviation sector ahead of the forthcoming International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) meeting in September. The commissioner will deliver a speech on the theme of aviation at the International Aviation Club on 18 April.
The EU also wants to strengthen ties with the US in the field of maritime harmonisation and electric vehicles, as well as the use of smart transport systems. The commissioner is also expected to appeal for an end to the investment restrictions which affect the transport sector too.
The commissioner will be attending a number of meetings, including with US Secretary for Transport, Ray LaHood, and the US Secretary for Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano. (MD/transl.fl)