Luxembourg, 10/06/2013 (Agence Europe) - The aviation agreement between the EU and Israel was formally signed on Monday 10 June in Luxembourg, on the sidelines of the European Transport Ministers' Council.
The parties are now committed to the opening up of their respective airspaces. In an effort to ensure that the airlines are able to compete effectively, this opening up will be phased in. Serious fears were expressed in Israel and strikes were even organised over this issue leading to the signing of this agreement being delayed. Almost 60% of Israel's international air traffic is with Europe. The European commissioner for transport, Siim Kallas, said that “today's agreement is very important for further strengthening the overall economic, trade and tourism relations between Israel and the EU. We expect to see more direct flights to and from Israel, lower prices, more jobs and economic benefits on both sides”. Once the market is opened fully, economic benefits are expected to be of the order of €350 million a year. (MD/trans.fl)