Proposal for a Council Decision on the conclusion of the Euro-Mediterranean Aviation Agreement between the European Union and Israel

The Euro-Mediterranean Aviation Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Government of the State of Israel, of the other part has been negotiated by the Commission as authorised by the Council in April 2008. Air services between the EU and the State of Israel presently operate on the basis of bilateral agreements between individual Member States and the State of Israel. It is part of the EU's external aviation policy to negotiate comprehensive air services agreements with neighbouring countries where the added value and economic benefits of such agreements have been demonstrated.

The Agreement aims at:
- gradual market opening in terms of access to routes and capacity on a reciprocal basis;
- promoting regulatory cooperation and harmonisation of regulations and approaches based on EU legislation in the field of aviation;
- promoting air services based on competition among air carriers with minimum government interference and regulation;
- non-discrimination and level playing field for economic operators.