22 March 2007 – Today in Brussels, the European transport ministers agreed on the Open Skies treaty regulating air travel between the US and the EU. It is expected to increase competition, lower ticket prices and increase the number of flights.
 

The Brussels-based environmental group Transport and Environment (T&E) points to the downside of increasing CO2 emissions. It says that increased aviation growth as a result of the 'Open Skies' agreement between the EU and America could completely offset emissions reductions from integrating the sector into the EU emissions trading system (EU-ETS).

Jos Dings, director of T&E said: "Just two weeks after the EU announced major new climate targets, it has given away airspace to American carriers but hasn't gained a clear mandate to combat emissions from those flights.  This deal is therefore a serious setback to EU climate policy."

"The EU must ensure that no environmental measures are ruled out in the second round of Open Skies negotiations and that inclusion of aviation into the emissions trading system is used to maximum environmental effect."

More information:

T&E report ‘Clearing the Air’

Press Release European Council in pdf