Brussels, 27/02/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 25 February, the EU and Jordan signed a “horizontal” aviation agreement which allows European airlines to fly between Jordan and any EU member state. The agreement removes nationality restrictions in the bilateral air services agreements and therefore allows any EU airline to operate flights between any EU member state where it is established and Jordan. The agreement is likely to generate consumer benefits of €30 million. The Commission also opened more ambitious aviation negotiations, on the basis of the mandate granted it by the Council in November 2007 (see EUROPE 9556). Negotiations will be based on two principles: the opening of market access for air services between the EU and Jordan; and a process of regulatory cooperation to ensure the highest levels of safety, security and environmental sustainability of air transport. According to Commission Vice-President and Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot, negotiations are likely to be completed before the end of the year. (A.By.)