Seminar for MEDA countries on pan-European ATM functions
In the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean Transport Forum intended for the benefit of the MEDA countries and EUROCONTROL’s policy to support the Mediterranean countries in the development of their air traffic management (ATM) systems, EUROCONTROL and the Euromed Aviation Project have jointly organised a three-day seminar on three main pan-European ATM functions. With the annual number of global air passengers predicted to rise from an expected 5 billion in 2010 to more than 9 billion in 2025, aviation safety and security around the world is more than ever a global priority. In this respect the Euromed Aviation Project is particularly important for the Mediterranean region, addressing aviation, security, safety, environment and air traffic management issues.
During the seminar, thirty participants from eight MEDA countries - Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria and Tunisia - were briefed on EUROCONTROL’s key pan-European functions, namely air traffic flow and capacity management, the aeronautical information services database and the central route charges system. These functions are managed for the European countries by the CFMU (Central Flow Management Unit), the EAD (European Aeronautical Information Services Data) and the CRCO (Central Route Charges Offices) respectively.
These pan-European functions are duly recognised by the aviation world as having led to significant improvements in safety, reduced delays and increased cost-efficiency.
Participants showed particular interest in the arrangements and requirements for the possible implementation of these functions in their own countries.
The eight attending countries are exploring the possibility of joining the CFMU, the EAD and the CRCO functionalities with the support of EUROCONTROL and the Euromed Aviation Project. Such integration would be an important step towards the creation of a Euro-Mediterranean Common Aviation Area.
EUROCONTROL, the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation, has as its primary objective the development of a seamless, pan-European air traffic management (ATM) system which fully accommodates the growth in air traffic, while maintaining a high level of safety, enhancing cost-efficiency and respecting the environment.
EUROCONTROL has 38 Member States: Albania, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
On 8 October 2002, the Member States and the European Community signed a Protocol on the Accession of the European Community to the revised EUROCONTROL Convention. Pending its entry into force after ratification by all Parties, certain provisions of the Protocol are already being provisionally applied.
The Euromed Aviation Project is an initiative of the European Union which is financed by up to 4,99 million EUR for three years by the European Commission’s MEDA programme.
The Project is managed by a consortium of five European companies: EgisAvia (F) leader, Ineco (E), Ecorys (NL), Ersnt & Young (I) and Lufthansa Consulting (D).
The Project started on 15 January 2007 and aims to promote the emergence of a Euro-Mediterranean Common Aviation Area and to facilitate any future negotiations of comprehensive Euro-Mediterranean Aviation Agreements between the European Union and the Mediterranean partners.
