The Spanish Minister for Public Works and Transport, José Blanco, stressed that the signing of the 'open skies' agreement between the EU and the United States, on Tuesday in Luxembourg, will positively affect  60 % of transatlantic flights, making them shorter and cheaper, in addition to mitigating their environmental impact.

The text was signed in Luxembourg by the twenty-seven Transport ministers – including the Spanish Minister for Public Works and Transport, José Blanco; the American Assistant Secretary for Civil Aviation, Susan Kurland; the American Ambassador to Luxembourg, Cynthia Stroum; and the European Transport Commissioner, Sim Kallas.

New routes and an increased capacity to invest in airline companies located across the Atlantic constitute the main prerogatives for aeronautical companies, which will become more competitive as a result of cost reductions.

The minister, José Blanco, who chaired the last Transport Council under the Spanish Presidency, stressed that the agreement represents a success for the ‘sustainable economy’ since both Brussels and Washington have agreed to reduce their atmospheric CO2 emissions.

The agreement, which constitutes the definitive step in the creation of a Common Transatlantic Aviation Area, which will include 60 % of world-wide passenger air traffic, was one of the main priorities of the Spanish Presidency of the EU in the area of transport. The resulting integrated air traffic area will make it possible to cut flight distances and times, lower ticket prices and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition, the signing of this agreement will boost the already strong social and economic ties between Europe and North America and substantially enrich the scope of the Transatlantic Agenda,  while sending the rest of the world a message which emphasises openness and improvement.

The agreement is the result of several months of intense work by the commissions responsible for its negotiation and represents the culminating achievement of three years of meetings, due in large part to the impetus provided by the Spanish Presidency of the EU Transport Council.

Last January, the Spanish minister and the Commission met with the American Transport Secretary, Ray LaHood, in order to communicate Europe's expectations with regard to the achievement of said agreement.

With respect to its content, the 'open sky' text, which has the status of an international treaty, includes major advances with regard to environmental issues, regulatory streamlining, mutual recognition of authorisations and competence.

It likewise highlights increased cooperation with regard to civil aviation and operations security and safety issues, and will lead to an improved exchange of information among authorities, as well as mutual recognition of measures and procedures in the event of emergencies.

In addition, thanks to the agreement, European companies will be able to transport personnel who have entered into public contracts with the American government.

The agreement establishes a specific procedure for continuing to make real progress towards freer and more open markets, creating a Joint Committee which will be composed of representatives of both governments and of the respective sectors involved, and with the reinforcement of new potential transatlantic alliances between airline companies.

Talking to the media after the meeting in Luxembourg, José Blanco also stressed that the ministers had continued their reflections on the application of the Europe 2020 strategy for economic growth, which was approved at the Summit of Heads of State and Government on 17 June.

Summing up, Mr Blanco said that other prominent matters had been sustainable transport and the introduction of scanners at airports, based on the report produced by the European Commission.

• Video: Statements made by the Spanish Minister for Public Works and Transport, José Blanco, following the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council
• Video: Signing of the ‘open skies’ agreement between the European Union and the United States
• Video: Statements made by the Spanish Minister for Public Works and Transport, Jose Blanco, prior to the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council