Civil aviation security

The Council unanimously agreed a general approach, pending the European Parliament's opinion at first reading, on a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules in the field of aviation security.

The proposal seeks to replace Regulation 2320/2002/EC on common rules in civil aviation Security adopted in the wake of the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 and in force since January 2003. The Commission submitted a proposal for its revision in September 2005.

The new regulation is aimed at clarifying, simplifying and harmonising further the legal requirements with the objective of enhancing overall security in civil aviation. It lays down common rules for safeguarding civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference. It also provides the basis for a common interpretation of Annex 17 to the 1944 Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation.

The new regulation will in particular extend Community competence to cover in-flight security measures. In addition, it addresses situations whereby a third country wants to apply different security measures to flights from Community airports than those laid down by Community legislation.