Brussels, 03/10/2003 (Agence Europe) - The first round of negotiations between the USA and the EU for concluding an agreement for a common trans-Atlantic airspace took place in an atmosphere that was described laconically in a press statement at the end of negotiations on Wednesday and Thursday in Washington as "cooperative and cordial". Both Europeans and Americans agree "in principle on a whole series of subjects to be included in an extensive agreement", notably, on the freedom for airlines to determine their prices, capacity and frequency of flights on offer, as well as user rights etc. The two parties also recognise the need for cooperation in security, safety and competition. The press statement cautiously adds that, "pending issues include European proposals that could potentially engender amendments to the legislation" and which cause the most polemic, such as the famous ownership clause and access to domestic markets. An action plan has been set up and work meetings are planned for the next few weeks to prepare the second round of negotiations to take place in the week of 8 December in Brussels.