EU-US 'open skies' talks set to resume

Talks over a deal to liberalise transatlantic aviation hinge on the US coming forward with new proposals, says the European commission.

Negotiations on an “open skies” agreement have so far foundered over a US refusal to lift restrictions on foreign ownership of airlines.

Discussions between senior EU and US negotiators, which have been going on for more than two years, resume in Brussels on 26 February.

A spokesman for transport commissioner Jacques Barrot today said the onus was now on the US to break the deadlock.

“The US has made its position clear on this matter. The ball is in their court to table alternative proposals,” he said.

His comments come after Irish transport minister Martin Cullen told the Guardian newspaper his government would negotiate its own open skies agreement with the US if a deal is not struck in next week’s talks.

Cullen said Irish airline Aer Lingus was disadvantaged by the fact that more than 10 EU countries have open skies agreements that allow a much greater degree of travel to and from the US.

“The principle of the EU is a common market and quite frankly there is not a common market available to Ireland within the EU," he said.

Bilateral flight deals have been ruled illegal by the European court of justice but states and airlines are clamouring for more US routes.

Despite the court ruling, Cullen said, “if a deal is not on the horizon we are determined to forge ahead and get a deal for ourselves.”

"We are very anxious that a deal is struck between the EU and USA," said a spokesman for Ireland's permanent representation to the EU.

"Our preference is for a global agreement. But we have to be realistic and say that if no agreement is possible certain member states have the right to pursue their own bilateral deal."

David Henderson, a spokesman for the Association of European Airlines, said, "We are aware of the Irish impatience with the ongoing EU-US process and that the Irish have issues very specific to their situation.

"Our position, though, is for a speedy and successful conclusion of a comprehensive agreement."

He said that if Ireland pushes ahead with its own deal this would put it on a par with other countries which have "illegal" bilateral deals.

"Hopefully, these will all be made redundant by a mulilateral agreement," he added.

• Previous article
• Next article