The EU at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly — Frequently asked questions

24-Sep-2013 The EU at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly - Frequently asked questions What are the main issues at stake at the 38th Assembly? Safety: more work on safety management will be necessary, as well as a bigger role for regional organisations. Security: more mutual recognition between states and regions with good security standards. Air Navigation/Air Traffic Management (ATM): this Assembly should adopt the "global air navigation plan", and by doing so lay down a roadmap for the eventual modernization of the world's ATM system. Air transport/aviation economics: more liberalisation in terms of market access and air carrier ownership and control, in balance with the need for fair competition and consumer protection. The impact of international aviation on climate change and the various measures to mitigate this impact: the EU has already included aviation in its emissions trading scheme (ETS) and is now seeking a landmark agreement at the ICAO Assembly on a global measure. Safety What is going to be discussed at the Assembly? Europe, alongside North America, is statistically the safest region in the world for aviation. Through its participation and contribution to this Assembly, Europe seeks to share its experience, as well as provide guidance and ideas, with the global aviation community with the aim of ensuring that further growth in aviation can take place whilst all the time becoming safer. The term "safety" covers a large spectrum of issues and activities, not all of which will be addressed at the Assembly, but on a number of key issues Europe will be looking for concrete results for further action to be pursued at ICAO level. In particular: