Brussels, 18/06/2002 (Agence Europe) - The Council did not adopt conclusions on the main lines concerning creation of the European Single Sky, presented by the Spanish Presidency at the Transport Council held on Monday in Luxembourg. It did, however, "note the work by the Presidency". In answer to questions on the apparent failure of negotiations on this point, Council President Francisco Alvarez-Cascos Fernandez declared that "if the guidelines fixed are adopted under the same Presidency, it will be a sound beginning for the development of the Single Sky". Also, to cut short all scepticism on the part of certain journalists, he recalled the agreement reached for Galileo "at a time when no-one thought it would happen".
In its conclusions, the Presidency notes that "delegations are in favour of achieving the European Single Sky within the time mentioned in the conclusions of the European Council of Barcelona" (see our Special Edition of 17 March) and that a majority "approves the guidelines presented" (see EUROPE of 13 June, p.7). French Transport Minister Gilles de Robien, for his part, declared that the "Presidency conclusions do not commit the Council" and that "Portugal, Greece and France consider the Spanish text allows progress to be made but that important points have still be to be clarified" (he mainly referred to the question of participation by the military in decisions concerning the organisation of European air space).
In answer to questions on the strike by air traffic controllers to be held on Wednesday, the Council President and Transport Commissioner Loyola de Palacio did not hide their disapproval. 'The air traffic controllers speak of a lack of information concerning Community initiatives in the matter to explain their strike. Two weeks ago, we held a meeting with the air traffic control trade unions of France, Italy, Portugal and Spain, and we exchanged our points of view. There was dialogue that we intend to pursue. This call for strike is no longer necessary except if the reason is not the lack of information but other motives such as the questioning of Council and Commission sovereignty in the matter", said the Council President. "Some trade unions said they have not been heard for two years.
And yet, we have held frequent contacts and we have taken their suggestions into account", added the Commissioner, enumerating several meetings which have been held between the Commission and the trade unions. Recalling the difficulties of the air sector following the attacks on 11 September and the "unfair" competition of airline companies of third countries, Ms de Palacio added that "this strike is unjustified and comes at a moment when the sector is only just beginning to recover". Mentioning a ruling by the European Court of Justice, whereby air control is a public service element, the Commissioner firmly concluded: "as we have always said, privatisation of the air sector is not on the table".