The 28 EU Transport Ministers yesterday authorised the European Commission to start negotiations for EU-level aviation agreements with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Turkey, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Commission will now reach out to these partners in order to start negotiations swiftly. These negotiating mandates constitute one of the main deliverables of the new Aviation Strategy for Europe adopted by the Commission in December 2015. EU-level aviation agreements create new economic opportunities and ensure fair and transparent market conditions.
EU Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc said, “Global connectivity is a driver of trade and tourism, directly contributing to economic growth and job creation. Once agreed, these agreements will offer new business opportunities to the whole aviation sector, new routes and better fares to passengers, whilst guaranteeing a level playing field to our companies. However this is only the beginning. I now invite Member States to continue working on the remaining mandates.”
