This proposal modifies the initial proposal of the Commission, with a view notably to take account of the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon. In order to ease examination by the Council, the whole of the relevant text is submitted as amended proposal.
The proposal calls for the approval on behalf of the Union, of the Air Transport Agreement between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the United States of America, of the other part. The references to “the European Community” in the text of the Agreement are, where appropriate, to be read as to “the European Union".
The Agreement was signed on 25 and 30 April 2007. It was intended, inter alia, to facilitate the expansion of international air transport opportunities by opening access to markets and maximising benefits for consumers, airlines, workers and communities on both sides of the Atlantic ocean.
As regards the EU side, both the Union and its Member States are Parties to this Agreement. The ratification process has been completed by the Member States in 2014. Croatia will accede to the Agreement in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Act concerning the conditions of accession of Croatia to the EU.