European Union News
European leaders agree new framework to promote destination
Antonio Tajani, vice-president of the European Commission and Petra Hedorfer, president of the European Travel Commission, have signed a historic Joint Declaration between the two organisations, which sets out the basis for strengthening the image and promotion of ‘Destination Europe’ in the future.
IATA 2011: New EU emissions charges are “illegal”
The International Air Transport Association has stepped up its war of words with the European Union by describing plans to charge the industry for emissions as “illegal”. The new legislation, which comes into effect on January 1st 2012, will see airlines forced to buy permits for carbon emissions above a certain level.
EU poised to shake-up European aviation
An extra 28 million passengers a year could take to the skies if European airports were allocated slots more efficiently, a study by the European Union has concluded. The study into the use of Europe’s airspace and major hubs found that more efficient use could add £4.4 billion to the economies of Europe between 2012 and 2015.
Europe’s financial leader to discuss Greece crisis
Europe’s financial leaders are set to meet in Brussels to discuss additional help for Greece’s debt-hit economy. Issues up for discussion include what conditions to apply to any more financial bail-outs for the country.
EU to ease flight compensation rules
New European Union proposals could spare airlines from paying customers full compensation when flights are grounded. Siim Kallas, the European Commission vice president, said the EU was poised to change the “denied boarding” regulation 261, which was originally introduced to protect passengers when they were unable to take the flight they had paid for.
European Commission adopts Transport 2050
The European Commission has adopted a comprehensive strategy for a competitive transport system which it hopes will increase mobility, remove major barriers in key areas and fuel growth and employment. At the same time, the proposals – entitled Transport 2050 - will reduce Europe’s dependence on imported oil and cut carbon emissions in transport by up to 60 per cent argues the commission.
EU and US conclude cooperation agreement on civil aviation safety
The European Union and the United States concluded today an agreement on cooperation in the regulation of civil aviation safety (8312/09). The agreement will enter into force on 1 May 2011.
Breakthrough in EU-Brazil negotiations on far-reaching aviation agreement
Vice-President Siim Kallas, in charge of transport, announced today a breakthrough in the EU-Brazil negotiations on an ambitious aviation agreement. Negotiators from the EU and Brazil have initialled a comprehensive agreement on air transport services.
European Union shows support towards Seychelles 2011 carnival
The European Union (EU) gave the 2011 “Carnaval International de Victoria” its full support by being among the 65 floats to march in Victoria on March 5 and thrilled the biggest crowd ever seen in the capital, Victoria.
Estonia welcomes the Euro and becomes a European capital of culture
January 1st 2011 sees the northern European country of Estonia become the latest country to adopt the Euro and enter its 12 months as one of two European Capitals of Culture in 2011, the largest cultural event in the history of Estonia with over 7000 cultural events planned.
European Union bans Afghan carriers
European officials have banned all airlines operating out of Afghanistan from European airspace. Prior to the announcement only Ariana Afghan Airlines had been banned from operating in European airspace.
EU moves closer to visa-free travel with Ukraine
The European Union and Ukraine have taken a significant step toward relaxing visa restrictions on travel between the two. An Action Plan to allow visa-free travel was signed in Brussels earlier at the culmination of the 14th EU-Ukraine summit.