Brussels, 03/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament is advocating reciprocity in European external action in the aviation area. A resolution was adopted in this regard on Tuesday 2 July. MEPs called for “fair competition” in bilateral aviation agreements, particularly with countries from the Gulf.
The own initiative report by Marian-Jean Marinescu (EPP, Romania) was adopted by 650 votes to 54, with 5 abstentions at the plenary session. The document reflects MEPs' concerns about competitors from the Middle East, Far East and South America. In response, the rapporteur explained that he had wanted to send a strong signal to the Commission: “The efforts made over the past few years have been significant but are insufficient. If Europe is to be more competitive in the sector, we have to have a co-ordinated approach in external policy. Such an approach, based on reciprocity, transparency and fair competition, will increase European opportunities of entering new markets”. In his report, Marinescu made a specific demand for the Commission to introduce, as part of the overall agreements, new regulatory conditions on security, safety, airline passenger rights, staff training and certification. Christine De Veyrac (EPP, France) argued that “a strong Europe is an open and competitive Europe but also a Europe that protects and acts in the interests of its citizens”. She added that “protecting the aeronautical industry is protecting competitiveness and the attractiveness of 5.1 million jobs in our territories, as well as protecting our network of regional services that are so important to our fellow citizens”. (MD/transl.fl)