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Sunday, December 30, 2012

EU edges closer to external aviation policy to boost competitiveness

European Union transport ministers have adopted a series of conclusions reached by the Council of Ministers that provide a framework for the EU’s future external aviation policy.

The Council conclusions are based on the European Commission's recent communication, "The EU's external aviation policy—addressing future challenges," and acknowledge that global aviation is changing dramatically.

The actions proposed by the Commission and endorsed by the Council recognize that Europe has been harder hit by the recession than many other regions and are aimed at boosting the international competitiveness of the EU's aviation industry. They include opening negotiations with key partners to access new business opportunities in growing markets such as Turkey, India, and Russia; developing new tools to fight unfair competition; and creating the right regulatory conditions to stimulate investment.

European Commission VP-Transport Siim Kallas said: "Aviation plays a crucial and strategic role in the European economy both in terms of jobs, growth and connectivity. The new framework that the Council adopted represents a major step forward toward a fully coordinated EU external aviation policy.

The Commission, EU member states and industry have to work together in an increasingly concerted manner to meet the serious challenges facing the EU aviation sector in the global market place. An effective and early implementation of the new EU external aviation policy will make a significant contribution to enhancing the competitiveness of the EU aviation industry and to the recovery of the European economy."

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