IP/07/1827
Brussels, 30th November 2007
EU and Canada start negotiations on a broad
aviation agreement
Delegations from Canada and the European Union met
on 27/28 November 2007 in Brussels for the first round of negotiations for an
ambitious comprehensive aviation agreement between both sides. The negotiations
were officially opened by H.E. Ross Hornby, Ambassador of Canada to the EU, and
Matthias Ruete, the European Commission's Director General of Energy and
Transport.
"Canada is a key trade and political partner of the European Union. The
aviation agreement should open up access to our respective markets, increase
regulatory cooperation and thus open a new chapter in EU-Canada aviation
relations", said Vice-President Barrot, who is responsible for transport,
welcoming the opening of negotiations.
The European Commission received a mandate to negotiate an "Open Aviation
Area" Agreement with Canada in October 2007, following its proposal to open
negotiations at the beginning of that year.
A comprehensive agreement with Canada would create significant benefits for
consumers and for the industry. According to a study launched by the Commission,
the number of passengers between the EU and Canada could increase from the
current 8.7 to 14 million by 2011. In addition, the agreement could generate
consumer benefits of at least 72 Million Euro through lower fares. The agreement
would create the basis for connections between all EU Member States and Canada.
Currently, bilateral air services arrangements exist between 19 Member States
and Canada.
Both sides discussed a broad range of issues covered by the future agreement
and agreed to continue negotiations at an expeditious pace with a view to
concluding a new agreement that would constitute a major step forward in
relations between the European Union and Canada.
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