On the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Air Transport Agreement between the United States of America, of the… first part, the European Union and its Member States, of the second part, Iceland, of the third part, and the Kingdom of Norway, of the fourth part; and on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Ancillary Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the first part, Iceland, of the second part, and the Kingdom of Norway, of the third part, on the application of the Air Transport Agreement between the United States of America, of the first part, the European Union and its Member States, of the second part, Iceland, of the third part, and the Kingdom of Norway, of the fourth part

Procedure

On 25 and 30 April 2007, the European Union signed a comprehensive Air Transport Agreement with the United States, amended by a Protocol signed on 24 June 2010 (both referred to as the US-EU ATA). The Protocol broadens and deepens the ATA by introducing provisions to establish an extensive aviation partnership with benefits for consumers, airlines and workers.

On 2 May 2011, the Commission submitted to the Council a proposal for a Council Decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Air Transport Agreement between the United States of America, the European Union and its Member States, Iceland, and the Kingdom of Norway; and on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Ancillary Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, Iceland, and the Kingdom of Norway, on the application of the Air Transport Agreement between the United States of America, the European Union and its Member States, Iceland, and the Kingdom of Norway [ref. 2011/0102 (NLE)].

On 30 October 2025 the Council sent a letter to the European Parliament requesting its consent to the draft Council Decision on the conclusion of the above-mentioned Agreements.

In accordance with Rules 107 and 117 of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, the Committee responsible (TRAN) shall submit a recommendation for the approval or rejection of the proposed act. Amendments at Committee level shall be admissible only if aimed to reverse the recommendation proposed by the Rapporteur. Parliament shall then take a decision by means of a single vote, and no amendments to the agreement may be tabled.

Content

Since 2007, and pending its entry into force, the US-EU ATA has been provisionally applied. During its administrative application, it created considerable economic benefits to both sides. Since the 2010 Protocol, the EU–US passenger market has grown substantially, with transatlantic seat capacity rising steadily over the long term and recording strong year-on-year growth in recent years, notably in 2023–2024.

The US-EU ATA remains the main legal framework governing transatlantic air services It has liberalised market access, capacity, pricing, and routes between the US and EU aviation markets, increased competition and delivered significant benefits for passengers. It has significantly expanded long-haul connectivity: in the 12 months to late-2024 nearly 77 million passengers travelled between the United States and Europe, a record figure well above pre-pandemic levels, and reflecting sustained demand on this key intercontinental corridor.

As regards cargo, the United States remains one of the largest extra-EU air freight markets, accounting for more than 20 % of all goods transported to or from the EU by air.

The 2010 Protocol further strengthens the Agreement by incorporating dedicated social provisions, notably an explicit commitment to high labour standards, and environmental provisions aimed to establish a comprehensive framework to address environmental challenges in aviation, both locally and globally.

The Agreement enhances EU airlines’ market access and supports the ongoing development of the sector. It also provides EU carriers with access to certain US Government-financed transport, including full rights for contracts with civilian US agencies.

The rapporteur declares under his exclusive responsibility that he did not include in his report input from interest representatives falling within the scope of the Interinstitutional Agreement on a mandatory transparency register, or from representatives of public authorities of third countries, including their diplomatic missions and embassies, to be listed in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.