Framework for the creation of the single European sky

PURPOSE : to create a framework Regulation for the creation of the single European sky by 31 December 2004. LEGISLATIVE ACT : Regulation 549/2004/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the framework for the creation of the single European sky (the framework Regulation). CONTENT : on the basis of a joint text approved by the Conciliation Committee (refer to the previous summary), the Council adopted four Regulation aimed at creating a "Single European Sky" and which introduce common rules on the use of airspace throughout the Community in order to reduce air delays and airspace congestion. The "Single European Sky" package contains a framework Regulation and three implementing Regulations covering air navigation service provision, organisation and use of airspace and interoperability within the European air transport management network. These legislative proposals aims, in particular, at improving and reinforcing safety, and at restructuring airspace as a function of traffic flow rather than according to national boundaries. The framework Regulation establishes general provisions establishing a general framework for the creation of the Single European Sky such as: - Member States shall nominate or establish a body or bodies as their national supervisory authority in order to assume the tasks assigned to such authority under this Regulation. The national supervisory authorities shall be independent of air navigation service providers; - on civil-military co-operation, the text of the Regulation mentions that Member States have adopted a general statement on military issues related to the Single European Sky and that according to this statement, Member States committed themselves to enhance their civil-military co-operation and, if and to the extent deemed necessary by Member States concerned, facilitate co-operation between their armed forces in all matters of air traffic management; - the Single Sky Committee that will be set up after the entry into force of this Regulation will be in charge of ensuring the appropriate consideration of the interests of all categories of airspace users; - Eurocontrol will be involved in the preparation of the implementing rules in the field of its competences and on the basis of the mandate agreed by the Single Sky Committee. Representatives of Eurocontrol will be invited to this Committee, if appropriate, as observers or experts; - the Industry Consultation Body will be composed by representatives of air navigation service providers, associations of airspace users, airports, the manufacturing industry and professional staff representative bodies and it will advise the Commission on technical aspects of the implementation of the Single European Sky; - the Community shall aim at and support the extension of the single European sky to countries which are not members of the European Union. To that end, it shall endeavour, either within the framework of agreements concluded with neighbouring third countries, or within the context of Eurocontrol, to extend the scope of this Regulation. ENTRY INTO FORCE : 01/04/2004.�