MEPs from the Socialists, Greens, and extreme-left group tried to postpone the vote on the agreement but finally a large majority of parliamentarians rejected this motion for adjournment and then proceeded to sign off on the deal.
Beyond market opening, the agreement also provides a modern framework and high standards for a wide range of aviation issues, such as passenger rights, air traffic management, economic regulation, competition issues or social aspects.
The European Parliament adopted on Wednesday the 2013 EU-Israel Euro-Mediterranean Aviation Agreement despite attempts by some MEPs to postpone the vote in the framework of the current discussion within the EU about how to react to the Israeli plan to apply sovereignty to some parts of the West Bank, what some call annexation.
MEPs from the Socialists, Greens, and extreme-left group tried to postpone the vote on the agreement but finally a large majority of parliamentarians rejected this motion for adjournment and then proceeded to sign off on the deal.
The vote, with 437 yes, 147 abstentions and 102 no, is viewed as an important move with regards to the EU-Israel relations as it anchors Israel in the EU’s aviation regulatory framework. It also contains rules on competition, labour and social standards, protection of passenger rights, and environmental cooperation.
The agreement had already been ratified by national parliaments and adopted by the EU legislature’s transport committee.
Welcoming the vote, Daniel Schwammenthal, Director of the AJC’s EU office, the AJC Transatlantic Institute, said that ‘’this aviation agreement between the EU and Israel benefits consumers, empowers job-creating businesses, and aligns environmental standards. It’s a good day for EU-Israel relations.’’
He added: “Despite the ultimately favorable outcome, it’s disconcerting that some lawmakers wanted to misuse this purely technical agreement to settle political disagreements. Had they succeeded, it would have no doubt been viewed in Israel as a preemptive sanction and severely damaged the bilateral relationship. Fortunately, a majority of lawmakers opted for constructive engagement with the new Israeli government instead of threats, and so both European and Israeli citizens ultimately won out.”
Beyond market opening, the agreement also provides a modern framework and high standards for a wide range of aviation issues, such as passenger rights, air traffic management, economic regulation, competition issues or social aspects.
Similar to the experience of similar agreements signed with other EU neighbouring countries, the opening of the market has lead to a larger number of direct flights from Israel to more destinations in Europe at lower prices while also reducing flight prices to Israel for European travellers. Higher volumes of tourism in both directions create additional jobs and economic benefits on both sides.