EC Takes Greece to Court Over Single European Sky Rules
October 12, 2009 // Published as a news service by IHS
The European Commission (EC) announced on Oct. 8 it will take Greece to the European Court of Justice for failing to establish effective and independent oversight authorities in the context of the Single European Sky.
Regulation (EC) No 549/2004, the Single European Sky legislation, entered into force in April 2004, and sets up a framework for the safe and efficient provision of air navigation services in the European Union (EU).
According to the EC, these air navigation services exist to ensure smooth and safe aircraft operations on the ground and in the air.
Therefore, for the safety of operations, it is of primary importance for EU member states to establish independent authorities and solid mechanisms, plus oversee the air navigation services in order to guarantee the safety of air travelers.
Although Greece has adopted two decrees and their implementing acts to comply with EU legislation, the EC said Greece still failed to guarantee the effective and independent exercise of the oversight of air navigation services, thereby violating EU law.
For more information, see the EC's Single European Sky web page.
Source: European Commission (EC).