Brussels, 14/03/2005 (Agence Europe) - As we previously announced (EUROPE 4 March p 12), the European Commission adopted on Monday, by written procedure, a strategic approach to develop the external aspect of the internal aviation market. In a press conference transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot announced that it had adopted two proposals, “recommending that the Council authorise it to start negotiations aimed at ambitious air agreements with China and Russia.
According to the Commission over the course of the next ten years “China is expected to become the largest Asian market and leading hub for air passenger traffic as well as for international cargo”. Therefore, it is essential to promote the approximation of aviation laws where appropriate and establish joint mechanisms for co-operation on security, safety and environmental standards, as well as foster technical and industrial co-operation. Such an agreement would allow for legal problems posed by bilateral aviation agreements that 19 of the EU's Member States have concluded with China. The Commission recognises, however, that total opening up of air space with China would probably be a long process and would need phasing in. Initial discussions cold begin during the aviation summit between the EU and China in Peking in June, if, in the meantime, the Council agrees to give the Commission a mandate for negotiating with the country.
The Commission indicates that, “Together with China, Russia is one of the largest “high potential” tourist markets in the world” and that, “Russian tourists are among the world's top spenders in international tourism”. Barrot did, however, acknowledge that negotiations with Russia would be “difficult”, given the Russian scheme requiring EU carriers to make payments for flying over Russian territory. The communication explains that these are estimated to cost around EUR 250 million in 2003 and constitute an unbearable charge for transit, as well as being judged incompatible with international law. This is why an aviation agreement between the Community and Russia would include the phasing-out of Siberian overflight payments by 2013 in a way that was transparent and non-discriminatory. It would also include the gradual opening up of the two markets in order to “facilitate the improvement of environmental standards, particularly with regard to aircraft noise, and industrial cooperation.
Barrot optimistic about negotiations starting up again with USA
On Monday, Mr Barott said on Monday that there was a good chance that via a stage-by-stage approach they could achieve an “open-skies” agreement on both sides of the Atlantic. Barrrot will be visiting Washington on 21-22 March to relaunch aviation negotiations for a trans-Atlantic agreement with the USA, which have been moribund since June 2004. On this visit, the Commissioner is expected to meet US Secretary of State for Transport Norman Mineta. The Commissioner is also banking on holding “technical meetings” to put forward negotiations and present the Transport Council on 21 April with a calendar and negotiations framework with the USA to see if work with the country is to the liking of the Council.