Aviation Strategy for Europe: Commission signs landmark aviation agreements with China

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The European Union and China have signed an agreement on civil aviation safety and a horizontal aviation agreement to strengthen their aviation cooperation.The agreements follow up on the EU-China Summit of 9 April and will serve to boost the competitiveness of the EU’s aeronautical sector and enhance overall EU-China aviation relations. This marks yet another key deliverable under the Juncker Commission’s Aviation Strategy for Europe – designed to generate growth for European business, foster innovation and let passengers profit from safer, cleaner and cheaper flights. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said: “In an increasingly unsettled world, Europe’s partnership with China is more important than ever before. The EU firmly believes that nations working together makes the world a stronger, safer and more prosperous place for all. Yesterday, we took a first big step in this direction by signing two aviation agreements with China that will create jobs, boost growth and bring our continents and peoples closer together. Yesterday’s agreements show the potential of our partnership and we should continue on this path of cooperation. For it will always be in unity that we find strength.” Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc said: “China is one of the European Union’s most important strategic partners and we attach a lot of importance to our excellent relations on transport matters. We are mutually interested in better connecting Europe and Asia and making it easier to move goods, services and people between Europe and China. That applies to aviation, too. Yesterday’s agreements will boost the European Union’s trade in aircraft and related products, and ensure the highest levels of air safety.”

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