Brussels, 22/12/2003 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission and Eurocontrol, the European organisation for air navigation and safety signed, on Monday in Brussels, a 'memorandum' for cooperation. This agreement will formalise ties existing since 1980 detailing the objectives, the framework and the annual cooperation programme.
This cooperation will cover in particular the implementation of the 'European Single Sky' programme aiming to create, by 31 December 2004, an integrated European airspace. An agreement over Single Sky was concluded between the Parliament and Council in the framework of the conciliation procedure, last 9 December (see EUROPE of 11 December, p. 9).
Cooperation between Eurocontrol and the Commission will also cover research, the exchange of technical information, the gathering of information and analysis on air traffic and the environment, satellite navigation (Galileo) and the creation of the future air traffic management system, indicates the Commission in a press release.
Let us recall that the Commission and Eurocontrol signed, in October 2002, an agreement in view of the accession of the Community as such to the organisation, agreement that must still be ratified by all the member states.