Transport Ministers Make Nice While Subsidy Issue Sizzles

Joint Statement on US-EU Transportation Discussions...

US Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta and EU Commission Vice-President in charge of Transport Jacques Barrot met today to discuss a range of transport issues of mutual interest.

Given the importance of transportation to the economies of the United States and the European Union and its essential role in global commerce, Mineta and Barrot agreed on the importance of continuing to develop US-EU cooperation in the transportation sector.

With respect to air services, Barrot and  Mineta announced that, consistent with the June 2004 Summit Statement of President Bush and President Prodi, they would continue their efforts to work towards a "comprehensive aviation accord that will expand opportunities not only for airlines, but also for airports, tourism, business links and cargo transport." They have asked their negotiators to review further the possible elements of a US-EU air services agreement with the goal of establishing a solid basis on which formal negotiations can be resumed.

Barrot and  Mineta welcomed the substantial progress made in negotiations between the European Commission and the United States Government towards an aviation safety agreement and look forward to its successful conclusion. This agreement will foster working arrangements between the Federal Aviation Administration and the recently-launched European Aviation Safety Agency.

Mineta and  Barrot also welcomed the start of discussions between the European Commission and the Federal Aviation Administration in the area of air traffic management, where both sides are working on new technological solutions that will make aviation more reliable and more efficient in the future.

FMI: www.dot.gov