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EU/Israel Euro-Mediterranean Aviation Agreement

2012/0324(NLE)

PURPOSE: the conclusion of the Euro-Mediterranean Aviation Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Government of the State of Israel, of the other part.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

BACKGROUND: in April 2008, the Council authorised the Commission to negotiate the Euro-Mediterranean Aviation Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Government of the State of Israel, of the other part.

Air services between the EU and the State of Israel presently operate on the basis of bilateral agreements between individual Member States and the State of Israel.

The negotiating directives set out the general objective of negotiating a comprehensive air transport agreement with the aim of gradually and reciprocally opening market access and ensuring regulatory convergence and effective implementation of EU standards.

In accordance with the negotiating directives, a draft Agreement with the Government of the State of Israel was initialled by the two sides on 30 July 2012.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: a report on the economic impact of the agreement, prepared for the Commission in 2007 by consultants, estimated that the economic benefit of such an agreement would be up to altogether € 96 million per year in consumer surplus as a result of lower fares. The analysis also showed a positive impact in terms of job creation.

LEGAL BASIS: Article100 (2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, in conjunction with Article 218 (6)(a) and 218 (8) thereof.

CONTENT: the Commission proposes the approval on behalf of the European Union of the Euro-Mediterranean Aviation Agreement between the European Union and the Government of the State of Israel.

The Agreement aims at:

  • gradual market opening in terms of access to routes and capacity on a reciprocal basis;
  • promoting regulatory cooperation and harmonisation of regulations and approaches based on EU legislation in the field of aviation;
  • promoting air services based on competition among air carriers with minimum government interference and regulation;
  • a non-discrimination and level playing field for economic operators.

The Agreement should be implemented in conformity with the European Union's position that the territories which came under Israeli administration in June 1967 are not part of the territory of the State of Israel.

BUDGETARY IMPLICATIONS: the proposal has no implication for the Union budget.