Framework for the creation of the single European sky

The Council took note of the work carried out under the Spanish Presidency on the development of the Single European Sky. Following an exchange of views by delegations, the Presidency noted the support of Member States for making the Single European Sky a reality within the deadlines given in the conclusions of the Barcelona European Council. In that regard, the accession of the Community to EUROCONTROL, on which political agreement has been achieved at this Council, constitutes an important advance towards achieving a Single European Sky. The Presidency noted that there was a broad majority in support of the guidelines presented on the basis of the work carried out on key elements of the set of Single Sky Regulations. These elements are the following: - date for bringing the Single Sky into force; - the application of economic regulation; - the functions and procedure of the Single Sky Committee; - relationship with EUROCONTROL; - cooperation with the military authorities; and - organisation and use of airspace. These guidelines, which are given in the Annex, should constitute a sound basis for guiding future work on these proposals.�