The Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU signed an aviation agreement with Japan on behalf of the EU on Monday 20 February. This agreement, which will open up non-discriminatory access to routes between the two parties, should in particular create a level playing field for carriers.
“This agreement will allow all EU air carriers to benefit from the right of establishment when providing air services in Japan, thereby bringing our Member States’ existing bilateral agreements into line with EU law. This will strengthen the EU’s cooperation with one of its most important partners in the region”, commented Swedish Minister for Infrastructure and Housing Andreas Carlson.
This agreement will complement the existing agreement between Japan and the EU - in force since 2021 - on aviation safety (see EUROPE 12511/36).
It will also replace certain provisions of the existing 13 bilateral air services agreements between Member States and Japan, including the traditional designation clauses, with a Community designation clause, allowing all EU carriers to benefit from the right of establishment.
The agreement will have to be submitted to the European Parliament for approval before returning to the EU Council for conclusion. It will enter into force after Japan and the EU have notified each other of the completion of their internal procedures necessary for the implementation of the text. (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)