Brussels, 10/10/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 9 October in Luxembourg, Transport Commissioner Antonio Tajani announced the imminent signature of an "Open Sky" style agreement with Canada. The agreement was negotiated on the basis of a mandate granted to the European Commission last October and is expected to be initialled in Montreal next week at the EU/Canada summit. This far-reaching agreement opens up the aviation markets on both sides and guarantees total reciprocity between the airlines of Canada and the EU, both in terms of cabotage and as regards investments in airlines. This means that if the agreement is signed, a Canadian airline would have the right to operate a flight between two cities within the EU and European airlines would enjoy the same rights internally in Canada. The principle of reciprocity would also apply to investments in airlines. According to Mr Tajani, the signature of this agreement may accelerate negotiations of the second stage of the "Open Sky" agreement with the United States, which also aims to open up both aviation markets (see EUROPE 9637). "The debate (with the United States) is now at deadlock because the European Union is asking for the principle of reciprocity", explained the commissioner, adding: "If there is no reciprocity, we will not sign the agreement with the United States". (A.By./trans.fl)