Brussels, 09/01/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday, the European Commission proposed opening negotiations with Canada on an “Open Skies” agreement, the aim of which would be to set up an Open Aviation Area without access restrictions and with a high degree of harmonisation of regulation. The Commission believes that such an agreement would lead to the virtual doubling (from 8 to 14 million) of passenger numbers travelling between the EU and Canada. It also believes that the significant economic benefits generated by the likely fall in air service costs could amount to €72 million. The agreement would allow air routes to be opened between Canada and the 27 EU Member States, when currently only 17 Member States have bilateral agreements with Canada. The proposed “Open Skies” negotiations with Canada will be in addition to those already underway with the United States (see related article above) and Ukraine. “Canada is a key partner of the European Union. This agreement will facilitate the travel of lots of people and goods between the EU and Canada and will establish a high level of regulatory standards, in particular in the fields of safety and security,” said Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot.