Changes from plenary report to adopted text

RemovedEXPLANATORY STATEMENT

RemovedThe Protocol

RemovedThe Republic of Croatia joined the European Union on 1 July 2013. In accordance with the Act concerning the conditions of accession, Croatia has undertaken to accede to the agreements concluded or signed by the Member States and the Union with one or more third countries or an international organisation, including the Euro-Mediterranean Aviation Agreement with Morocco.

RemovedThe accession of Croatia to such agreements shall be agreed by the conclusion of a protocol to these agreements between the Council, acting unanimously on behalf of the Member States, and the third country or countries or international organisation concerned.

RemovedThe Commission has negotiated the Protocol amending the Euro-Mediterranean Aviation Agreement between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, of the other part. The Protocol defines the linguistic adaptations to be made to the Agreement by reason of the accession of Croatia.

RemovedRapporteur’s position

RemovedThe Agreement with Morocco was the first comprehensive air transport agreement signed with a non-EU partner of the Union. That Agreement is an important element of the Union’s external aviation policy and is one of several Euro-Mediterranean aviation agreements which the Union has since signed also with Israel and Jordan. The Aviation Agreement with Morocco has made it possible to nearly triple, in absolute terms, connectivity between that country and the Union.

RemovedBy granting all EU air carriers non-discriminatory access to routes between the EU and Morocco, this agreement promotes competition on air routes between the EU and an important EU partner in the Mediterranean and will, consequently, improve connectivity. This Protocol will enable Croatia to enjoy these benefits in the same way as the other Member States currently do.

RemovedBased on all the above, the rapporteur recommends that the Committee on Transport and Tourism give its approval to the conclusion of this protocol.