Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2000-03-29-Speech-3-071"
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"en.20000329.6.3-071"2
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".
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I have just listened to the Commissioner’s speech and I would like to inform Parliament that a meeting of the Council of Transport Ministers was held yesterday. This issue was, of course, discussed at that meeting, which gave its full and unanimous support to the outstanding way in which the Commissioner has carried out this work and has conducted negotiations with the United States of America.
I would therefore like to echo the Commissioner’s words about the Commission’s strategy for progressing this issue and to inform the House that in accordance with the opinion of the Council presidency and also of the Commission, this matter was discussed as part of a wider issue which we wish to address in this Chamber today, which is an area of fundamental importance for the future of Europe. That area is air transport and the environment, and how to overcome the challenges of sustainable development. The Council also heard a Commission communication on this subject yesterday, and I believe that it is becoming crucial to ensure that the hushkits issue is incorporated into a broader strategy for building a new Europe in this area.
If you do not mind, Mr President, I would also like to give a very brief account of the conclusions reached by the Council yesterday on this matter, including the issue of hushkits.
Firstly, there is the development and early implementation of international noise standards, a decision that will be taken at the ICAO Assembly in 2001, as well as the establishment of transitional measures for phasing out the noisiest aircraft, which must meet the concerns of regions with higher environmental standards and those which suffer most from noise pollution.
Secondly, the introduction of economic incentives to reduce the environmental impact of various aviation operations, bearing in mind the need to avoid distortions of competition, the special nature of operations involving peripheral locations, and the contribution of voluntary agreements with the aviation industry.
Thirdly, development in the future, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, of guidelines for the sustainable development of airports, as an objective basis for the measures to be adopted by the competent authorities, taking into account the needs of communities living close to airports. It was the Council’s opinion that the measures to be adopted should, at the same time, ensure that a high level of safety is maintained, that there is fair competition, that the transport system works efficiently, and that there is equality of access to transport systems, taking account of the diversity of situations in the Union’s various Member States and regions, and above all, the requirements of economic and social cohesion. We believe that the issue of hushkits should be seen in the context of these principles, as otherwise we risk making the mistake of restricting ourselves to a single problem, although it is a serious one and one on which we must be firm. And we are being firm. The Commission is being firm and the Commissioner has stated here today that the regulation will come into force on 4 May. We must also be realistic, however, and create conditions in which the negotiations that the Commissioner is taking forward can succeed. To this end, the Council yesterday unanimously agreed upon the flexible framework essential for reaching agreement in these negotiations. Negotiation is the art of compromise and not the art of imposing one’s will. The United States cannot be allowed to impose their will – but neither can we. The presidency is convinced that we will achieve results and, once again, I would like to state before Parliament that we have complete confidence in the work that the Commissioner is carrying out. I feel sure that the formula that is reached will also have the support of this House, as it must if this problem is to be resolved once and for all."@en1
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