European Union News
European Union struggles with single sky proposals
The Single European Sky, the flagship project to create a single European airspace - tripling capacity and halving air traffic costs - is “not delivering” according to latest report on this issue. Siim Kallas, European Commissioner for transport, announced his intention to present new legislative proposals in spring 2013 to accelerate implementation, as well as taking all enforcement actions possible, including infringements where necessary.
Emissions Trading Scheme hit by US Senate block
The European Union’s Emissions Trading Scheme has suffered a further set back, with the United States Senate passing a bill shielding American airlines from the scheme. At present, the ETS requires airlines to buy permits for emissions generated on flights to, from and within the European Union.
Moldova moves toward European aviation integration
In the framework of the EU-Moldova Cooperation Council, the Republic of Moldova and the European Union have signed a comprehensive air services agreement which will make Moldova a full partner of the EU in aviation by gradually integrating into the European common market. Siim Kallas, European commission vice-president responsible for mobility and transport, said: “Today’s agreement is very important for further strengthening the overall economic, trade and tourism relations between Moldova and the EU.”
Airlines falling into line over ETS
Almost all commercial airlines operating in Europe have reported their carbon dioxide emissions to the European Commission on time. The Commission will use the figures for a ‘dry run’, before beginning to charge airlines for pollution under the Emissions Trading Scheme from next year.
European Commission calls for increased compensation in aviation sector
Airlines should give stranded passengers better information and immediate help, members say in a resolution adopted by the European Parliament. They call on the European Commission to tighten the rules on help and compensation for flight cancellations or delays, including luggage delays over six hours.
China Air Transport Association rejects European Union ETS
The European Union’s Emissions Trading Scheme is likely to face its sternest test to date with China having banned all airlines for participating. The scheme is designed to levy a charge on flights in EU airspace based on carbon emissions.
Delta raises prices following ETS introduction, but China says it will not pay
Delta Air Lines has become the first carrier in the United States to confirm it will introduce a surcharge in order to pass the costs of the new European Emissions Trading Scheme on to passengers. However, China Air Transport Association has said Chinese carriers will not pay the new tax, arguing the EU was wrong to act unilaterally.
Nicosia and Paphos to compete for European Capital of Culture 2017 title
The selection panel appointed to assess the cities applying to be European Capital of Culture in 2017 has recommended that Nicosia and Paphos are pre-selected as the Cypriot contenders for the 2017 title. The pair will now go head to head with Aarhus and Sønderborg of Denmark for the prestigious title.
IATA criticises EU emissions trading decision
The International Air Transport Association has expressed disappointment at the decision by the European Court of Justice to include aviation in the EU emissions trading scheme from 2012. Announcing its decision yesterday, the court dismissed claims from North American carriers that the scheme was illegal under international law.
European Court of Justice green lights EU emissions trading scheme
The Court of Justice to the European Union has ruled the inclusion of global airlines in the proposed emissions trading scheme is valid. The decision follows objections from a number of American and Canadian airlines that they should be exempt from the scheme.
EU seeks to boost airport capacity with new measures
The European Commission has announced a package of measures designed to increase capacity airports in Europe, reduce delays and improve the quality of services offered to passengers. The measures address the quality of services passengers and airlines receive on the ground before they take off and after they land, the transparency of decisions on airport noise, as well as the efficiency of the complex network of take-off and landing slots that make up every journey.
European Commission takes on low-cost carriers
Consumers in the European Union are to be offered new protection against Machiavellian low-cost carriers with a ban on ‘pre-ticked’ boxes coming into force. The Europe-wide ban will remove the requirement on consumers to “untick” boxes to avoid extra services when shopping online.