Brussels, 14/07/2008 (Agence Europe) - The airlines and the Airports Council International (ACI) criticised the vote on Tuesday 8 July at the European Parliament ratifying the inclusion, as from 2012, of intra-Community and international flights to and from EU airports in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) (EUROPE 9699). The European aeronautical industry initially supported the setting up of the system but revised its position following the agreement between the Parliament, Council and Commission and the vote ratifying it (EUROPE 9692). According to the ACI, the new system lacks viability and cost effectiveness and does not include civil aviation. The ACI also considers that it could have a negative impact on airlines, with possible repercussions on the airport sector. Oliver Jankovec, the president of the association, said that, “the latest conditions have been agreed without any serious impact assessment and are an open door to litigation from third countries”. He also insisted that these new rules, “threaten the viability of the scheme, exposing European operators and harming the international credibility of the EU on climate change”. The 10 July press release also explains that, “ACI Europe has been a long-time advocate of the inclusion of aviation in ETS…However, their support for ETS was based on the initial European Commission proposal and the common Council position agreed in April of this year”. ”. (A.By/trans/rh)