Brussels, 17/09/2007 (Agence Europe) - The Triennial meeting of the Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in Montreal, Canada, from 18 to 28 September will be crucial for the EU, in trying to persuade its world partners of the usefulness of including civil aviation in the EU greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme (ETS). The EU representatives (the European Commission and the presidency of the Council of the EU) will present eight proposals, approved unanimously by the Council, on the environment, security and air safety, and air traffic management (ATM).
Environment. While recognising the need for a global approach (taking in technical measures, research, technology and the optimisation of air traffic management), the EU considers that the inclusion of civil aviation in the ETS is the best way to combat climate change. So as not to harm European companies, this flagship project provides for extending the scope of the Community's ETS to international aviation from 2012 (see EUROPE 9332). To be implemented, this measure has to be agreed by all ICAO member countries. So far, the United States has expressed its opposition (see EUROPE 9340).
Air security. The EU does not feel it is necessary to introduce new standards at ICAO level, since existing measures are not yet being fully applied. The closest possible cooperation among states on security checks, inspection and audit measures would, in time, lead to a global system, based on mutual recognition of checks. The idea is to achieve one single check per flight, even where there is a stop-over (“one-stop security”).
Security. There is a tendency towards mutual recognition of standards. The EU will propose to strengthen the ICAO's programme of audits, increased cooperation on technology (as part of the dialogue with industry) and exchange of data and information (particularly in the event of incidents).
ATM. The EU will stress the importance of the appropriate level of coordination between European systems for modernising traffic management (the single European Sky programme and its technical chapter, SESAR) and their equivalents, such as the US NEXTGEN system. (aby)