06/12/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 6 December, the European Commission officially announced the beginning of talks with Ukraine with a view to finalising a Common Aviation Area Agreement and creating a border-free airspace between the EU and Ukraine (see EUROPE 9383). The agreement should not only open the air markets of the two parties but also bring Ukrainian legislation into line with the EU body of law in the field of aviation and replace all bilateral air agreements concluded to date with EU member states. Speaking to the press, the Commission spokesman hoped the agreement would be finalised very soon. Ukraine has concluded bilateral air service agreements with all 27 EU member states. In 2006, over 2.1 million passengers travelled between the EU and Ukraine by air transport, i.e. 21% more than in 2005. (A.By.)