Access to the groundhandling market at Community airports

The Council held a detailed policy debate on the proposal for a directive on access to the groundhandling market at Community airports. The proposal, which follows on from the Council Resolution of 24 October 1994 on the state of civil aviation in Europe, aims to liberalise groundhandling services at Community airports and sets out detailed rules. Ministers examined certain key aspects of the proposal and hoped to agree a common position at the Transport Council meeting in December, as soon as the European Parliament has delivered its opinion. The Permanent Representatives Committee will continue to examine the proposal.