Washington, 26/06/2003 (Agence Europe) - Speaking about the decision taken during the Washington Summit on opening negotiations for an agreement between the EU/USA on liberalising air transport (up to now eleven Member States have singled separate agreements with the USA: EUROPE 6 June p 8), the European Commissioner for transport, Loyola de Palacio, declared, "An aviation agreement between the EU and US would set the model for the rest of the world these negotiations provide an opportunity to achieve fundamental reform of this sector that we should not waste”. President Bush said at a press conference that such an agreement would benefit both consumers and airlines.
In Washington, Messrs Simitis, Prodi and Bush adopted the following declaration: "We are pleased to announce our agreement to begin comprehensive air service negotiations between the European Union and the USA in early Autumn, following the early June decision of the Council of the European Union to approve a negotiating mandate for the Commission. This is an historic opportunity to build upon the framework of existing agreements with the goal of opening access to markets and maximising benefits for consumers, airlines, and communities on both sides of the Atlantic. The European Union and the United States will work together in a spirit of cooperation to develop a mutually beneficial approach to this crucial economic sector in a globalised economy".