EU/Cape Verde agreement: air services

PURPOSE: to conclude an agreement on air services between the EU and Cape Verde.

NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision 2011/732/EU on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde on certain aspects of air services.

CONTENT: on behalf of the Union, the Commission has negotiated an Agreement on certain aspects of air services with the Republic of Cape Verde in accordance with the mechanisms and directives in the Annex to the Council Decision of 5 June 2003 (the "horizontal mandate"). The Agreement replaces certain provisions in the bilateral air services agreements between Member States of the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde.

·        Article 2 of the Agreement replaces the traditional designation clauses with an EU designation clause, permitting all European Union carriers to benefit from the right of establishment.

·        Article 4 deals with the taxation of aviation fuel, a matter which has been harmonised by Council Directive 2003/96/EC restructuring the Community framework for the taxation of energy products and electricity, and in particular Article 14 (2) thereof.

·        Article 5 resolves potential conflicts with the competition rules of the European Union.

The Agreement was signed on behalf of the Union on 23 March 2011.

This Decision approves the Agreement between the EU and Cape Verde on certain aspects of air services on behalf of the Union. 

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 08/11/2011.