PURPOSE: to conclude the Agreement on certain aspects of air services between the European Union and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision 2014/300/EU on the conclusion of the Agreement on certain aspects of air services between the European Union and the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
CONTENT: on 5 June 2003, the Council granted the Commission a mandate to open negotiations with third countries on the replacement of certain provisions in existing agreements with an agreement at Union level. On behalf of the Union, the Commission has negotiated an Agreement on certain aspects of air services with the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in accordance with the mechanisms and directives in the Annex to the Council Decision of 5 June 2003.
The Agreement was signed on behalf of the Union on 27 September 2012 subject to its possible conclusion at a later date, in conformity with Council Decision 2013/100/EU.
In summary, the agreement:
· replaces the traditional designation clauses with an EU designation clause, permitting all EU carriers to benefit from the right of establishment;
· resolves potential conflicts with the competition rules of the Union.
The agreement between the European Union and Sri Lanka is approved on behalf of the Union.
ENTRY INTO FORCE: the decision enters into force on 15.07.2013. The date of entry into force of the agreement will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union by the General Secretariat of the Council.