Luxembourg's Ministry of Sustainable Development and Infrastructure has shown trepidation in the face of a new Aviation Strategy adopted by the European Commission Monday.
This new initiative will aim to support the three strategies of boosting Europe's economy, stregthening its industrial base and contributing to EU global leadership to help promote the European aviation sector and its competitiveness worldwide, as well as a strategy for its sustainable development. The strategy consists of different elements covering, amongst others, a review of the basic regulation of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), negotiating mandates fro air agreements with third party countries and measures to address unfair business practices in third countries.
"Competitive and efficient aviation is central to Europe's growth," commented Vice-President for the Energy-Union, Maroš Šefčovič. "This new Aviation Strategy creates a framework that will enable European aviation to maintain its global leadership. It also confirms the pioneering commitment of Europe to sustainable aviation, a highly topical issue as the world has its eyes on Paris for the COP21."
Violeta Bulc, EU Commissioner for Transport, added: "European aviation is facing a number of challenges and today's Strategy sets out a comprehensive and ambitious action-plan to keep the sector ahead of the curve. It will keep European companies competitive, through new investment and business opportunities, allowing them to grow in a sustainable manner. European citizens will also benefit from more choice, cheaper prices and the highest levels of safety and security."
The Luxembourg economy for its part is heavily dependent on the aviation sector. The country's Ministry of Sustainable Development and Infrastructure today reported that it would consider the potential impact of the measures packet on industry actors such as Cargolux and Luxair before outlining the position that Minister François Bausch will be taking during Council negotiations. Although the Minister welcomed that the environmental aspects and the importance of research and innovation in the sector had been taken into account, he cast doubt over whether the approach is balanced and beneficial for all within the European Union.
Photo by Sarah Graham (François Bausch)
