The European Parliament approved by 678 votes to 7, with 10 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Agreement on civil aviation safety between the European Union and Japan.

Parliament gave its consent to the conclusion of the Agreement.

On 7 March 2016, the Council authorised the European Commission to open negotiations with Japan in view of concluding a Bilateral Air Safety Agreement (BASA) to enhance air safety and contribute to the global competitiveness of the European aviation industry by means of cutting red-tape and facilitating exports. The Agreement was signed on 22 June 2020, subject to its conclusion.

The Agreement between the European Union and Japan is part of the Commission's Aviation Strategy for Europe, which aims to support European businesses and ensure better conditions for passengers.

Being based on reciprocal trust in each other’s aviation regulatory and compliance system, the Agreement also considers transparency, cooperation related to safety issues, protection of data, and confidential information. It also establishes a Joint Committee, composed of representatives of both sides, to ensure the proper implementation of the provisions.

The Committee on Transport and Tourism adopted the report by Cláudia MONTEIRO DE AGUIAR (EPP, PT) on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Agreement on civil aviation safety between the European Union and Japan.

The committee recommended that the European Parliament give its consent to the conclusion of the agreement.

On 7 March 2016, the Council authorised the European Commission to open negotiations with Japan with a view to concluding a bilateral aviation safety agreement, in order to strengthen aviation safety and contribute to the global competitiveness of the European aviation industry by cutting red tape and facilitating exports.

The agreement was signed on 22 June 2020, subject to its conclusion.

Under the agreement, the EU and Japan will accept findings of compliance and certificates issued following specific procedures carried out by the other party's competent authorities.

Furthermore, the bilateral agreement should:

- promote cooperation, a very high level of civil aviation safety and environmental performance, and the free flow of civil aeronautical products and services;

- contributes to the recovery of the aviation sector, heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic;

- be based on reciprocal trust in each other’s aviation regulatory and compliance system, the Agreement also considers transparency, cooperation related to safety issues, protection of data, and confidential information;

- establish a Joint Committee, composed of both parties' representatives, to ensure proper implementation of the provisions.

PURPOSE: to conclude the agreement on civil aviation safety between the European Union and Japan.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

BACKGROUND: the agreement on civil aviation safety between the European Union and Japan was signed on 22 June 2020, subject to its conclusion at a later date. The agreement must now be approved.

CONTENT: the Council's draft is aimed at approving, on behalf of the Union, the agreement on civil aviation safety between the European Union and Japan.

The EU shall be represented:

- in the Joint Committee of the Parties established under the Agreement, by the Commission, assisted by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and accompanied by the aviation authorities of the Member States as their representatives;

- in the Certification Oversight Board with regard to certification by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, assisted by the aviation authorities of the Member States directly concerned by the agenda of each meeting.

The decision shall contain provisions for the adoption of safeguard measures, requests for consultations and measures to suspend acceptance obligations, as well as for the adoption of decisions on amendments to the Annexes to the Agreement.