International aviation: European Council greenlights signing of major agreements Armenia and Ukraine

On 28 June, the Council gave the go-ahead for the signing of three neighbourhood aviation agreements – with Ukraine, Armenia and Tunisia ­– as well as an air transport agreement with Qatar. These agreements will open up the air transport market, offering new opportunities for both consumers and operators. Through more efficient connectivity, they will promote trade, tourism, investment and economic and social development.

“The Council is now ready to sign four important aviation agreements that will improve market access for airlines and enhance connectivity and freedom of movement for citizens,” said Pedro Nuno Santos, Portuguese Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, President of the Council. “At the same time, they will ensure the highest level of safety and security and provide for a level playing field.”

The three neighbourhood agreements will remove market restrictions in relation to the EU’s neighbouring countries and associate these countries with the EU’s internal aviation market, as they will adopt EU aviation standards and implement EU aviation rules.

The decisions on Ukraine and Armenia enable application of the agreement on a provisional basis, pending the completion of the procedures necessary for its entry into force.

The four agreements are expected to be signed in autumn 2021. Every agreement will then need to be ratified by each member state, the Union and the other party.

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Press release