Luxembourg, 11/06/2007 (Agence Europe) - In its adoption, on Friday 8 June, of the political agreement on the regulation concerning the joint rules on civil aviation and establishing the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the Council maintained its position of December 2006, rejecting most of the amendments voted on at first reading by the Parliament. According to the Council, the competencies of the EASA concerning the issuing of licences should not be limited only to the aviation operators of third countries operating flights from and to European airports (see EUROPE 9412). The agreement adopted this Friday also modifies the rules on comitology.
“We have made progress on EASA”, the vice-president of the Commission with responsibility for transport issues, Jacques Barrot, told the press conference concluding the Transport Council which met in Luxembourg on 7 and 8 June. “Thanks to the agreement obtained (on Friday) we can certify companies from third countries from when they wish to use the Community air space”, said the commissioner, stressing that this decision may help to plug gaps in the blacklist of airlines banned within the EU. The second reading of the Parliament is expected for autumn 2007, after the trialogue at which the parties in question (the Commission, the Parliament and the Council) are to seek a compromise, particularly on questions relating to granting licences to flight crew. (aby)