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EU Aviation Strategy

  • Introduction

  • Four Prong Strategy

    • An ambitious EU external aviation policy

    • Tacking limits to growth both in the air and on the ground

    • Maintaining high EU standards

    • Innovation, investments, and digital technologies   

  • Conclusion​   

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Introduction

On 7 December 2015, the Commission published a comprehensive strategy for the European aviation sector. Its aims are to generate growth for European business, foster innovation, achieve safer, cleaner and cheaper flights and expand connectivity. The strategy comprises a number of policy proposals: (i) an ambitious EU external aviation policy; (ii) tackling limits to growth both in the air and on the ground; (iii) maintaining high EU standards; and (iv) innovation, investments, and digital technologies.

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Ambitious EU external aviation policy

The EU external aviation policy has four stated deliverables:

  • Negotiating new EU-level agreements with several countries and regions in the world to improve market access.

  • Providing more connections and better prices for passengers.

  • Exploring new measures to address unfair commercial practices from third countries.

  • Creating investment opportunities with third countries based on mutual liberalisation of ownership and control rules.

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Tacking limits to growth both in the air and on the ground

The strategy identifies four objectives for promoting growth both in the air and on the ground:

  • Completing the Single European Sky (SES) initiative.

  • Boosting the efficiency of airport services: airport charges and ground handling.

  • Tackling the capacity crunch: adequate slots rules and infrastructure.

  • Improving connectivity by developing a new annual index.

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Maintaining high EU standards

​The strategy sets forth four goals for achieving its objective of maintaining high EU standards:

  • Maintaining high level of safety with the revision of basic air safety rules.

  • Pursuing One Stop Security approach with key trading partners.

  • Contributing to a resilient Energy Union and Climate Change policy.

  • Creating high quality jobs and maintaining a strong social agenda.

  • Revising air passenger rights rules.

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Innovation, investments, and digital technologies

The strategy identifies two proposed initiatives in the area of innovation, investments and digital technologies

  • Making the EU Single Sky more efficient by deploying SESAR innovative projects.

  • Unleashing the potential of the drone market by setting up EU-wide rules to ensure safe drone operations for all airspace users, to protect citizens' privacy, and to offer legal certainty.

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Conclusion

Aviation is a catalyst for economic growth, jobs, trade and mobility. It is a lifeline for the EU economy. The Aviation Strategy will contribute towards the competitiveness of the European aviation sector and enhance the role of the EU as vigorous player in the developing global economy. The Aviation Strategy will play a pivotal role in delivering on the core priorities of the European Commission.

 

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