Civil aviation security

 The committee adopted the report by Paolo COSTA (ALDE, IT) modifying - under the 2nd reading of the codecision procedure - the Council's common position. It reinstated many of the amendments adopted by Parliament at 1st reading following the position adopted in the committee (see summary dated 02/05/2006), which had not been taken up by the Council. These covered such issues as the objectives of the regulation, definitions, the costs and funding of the proposed security measures, the carrying of weapons on board aircraft, reporting requirements and the role of the European Aviation Safety Agency.

The committee also tabled two new amendments:

- it introduced a 'sunset clause' for the detailed measures for the implementation of the "common basic standards", stipulating that these measures should expire after six months. They may, however, be maintained, "but only after a thorough re-evaluation of the security risks and a thorough evaluation of costs and operational impact associated with those measures";

- to avoid duplication of effort, the Commission should cooperate with the International Civil Aviation Organisation by concluding agreements for the purpose of exchanging information and providing mutual support in connection with audits and inspections.