News Release
Anthony Gooch
No. 53/04
April 2, 2004
EU-US AVIATION NEGOTIATIONS
30 MARCH – 1 APRIL 2004
STATEMENT ISSUED BY EUROPEAN COMMISSION’S
SPOKESMAN ANTHONY GOOCH IN WASHINGTON, DC
“Delegations representing the United States and the European Union met for
the fourth round of
civil aviation negotiations in Brussels from 30 March to 1 April 2004.
"The talks are aimed at reaching a comprehensive agreement that would liberalise
the aviation market between the United States and the European Union.
"The delegations continued to make good progress in key areas such as aviation
security, safety and the environment. In addition the delegations are close to
final agreement on a framework for co-operation between competition authorities.
Means of simplifying the regulatory framework for international air services were
also identified and further discussion took place to clarify the legal issues
surrounding the agreement.
"Following the Transport
Council of 9 March, the EU responded to a proposal put forward by the US delegation
in the previous round for an initial agreement. This proposal entails the extension
of 'open skies' to the markets between and beyond the US and all EU Member States;
the amendment, subject to approval by Congress, of US rules on foreign ownership
of US airlines to allow non-US nationals to own up to 49% of voting stock; and
the granting to EU airlines of the right to operate between the US and any EU
Member State. Under the proposal, the two sides would commit to further liberalisation
in stages.
"The EU accepted the idea of moving in stages, but noted that the US proposal
for an initial phase did not guarantee sufficient new opportunities for European
air carriers in the area of market access. European airlines would remain completely
excluded from the US domestic market, while US carriers enjoy the right to fly
between most EU destinations today. The EU reiterated its wish to include in the
agreement access to the US market for EU carriers due to the fact that the US
carriers benefit from more open access to the EU market.
"The two delegations are committed to reviewing the modalities of access
to markets for air transport operations or leasing taking into account their expectations
and constraints.
"The two sides agreed to continue their work and will meet again in the week
of 10 May.
"As in previous rounds, airline, airport and labour representatives attended
this round of negotiations. ”
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Press Contacts:
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Anthony Gooch
202-862-9523
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Maeve O'Beirne
202-862-9549
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