Israel and EU launch new round of talks in Brussels on 'open skies' deal

The negotiations seek to establish an acceptable formulation to replace the existing agreements between Israel and individual EU member state
 
The Israeli Transport Ministry issued a statement last week indicating that Israel and the European Union had launched negotiations in Brussels aimed at an air traffic agreement that would allow other airlines to compete for routes connecting Israel and the European continent.
 
Both sides, it is understood, seek an acceptable formulation to replace the existing agreements between Israel and individual EU member state.
 
The new "open skies" policy is aimed at increasing competition among the airlines, which would likely drive down fare prices.
 
The European Commission proposed last Tuesday an agreement with Israel on cooperation in air safety, security, traffic management and other issues, to benefit both air travelers and the aviation industry.
 
Western Europe accounts for 54% of international air travel to and from Israel, an increasingly popular destination for European tourists, said EU Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot. 
 
He proposed a deal establishing common regulatory standards in safety and security as well as air traffic management, aviation technology, research and industrial cooperation.
 
Barrot said Israel has expressed an interest in a "comprehensive agreement" that would effectively subject its aviation sector to the same regulatory and operating rules as EU air carriers.
 
Air travel between the EU and Israel grew at an average annual rate of 3% between 1995 and 2005. In 2004, 1.5 million European tourists visited Israel, 89% of whom arrived by air.
 
The Israeli delegation to the talks will be headed by Transportation Ministry director general Gideon Sitterman.