EU reports on EX-YU air transport progress
The European Commission (EC) has published its annual progress reports for those aspiring to join the European Union, giving an assessment of what each candidate and potential candidate has achieved over the last year, as well as a set of guidelines on reform priorities in various fields, including air transport.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
The preparation of civil aviation is at a good level and some progress was made in the reporting period. The 2009 Law on Civil Aviation is being revised so that it becomes aligned with the requirements of the European Common Aviation Area (ECAA). The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) continued its cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Directorate for Civil Aviation to address some open findings concerning the implementation of the first transitional phase of the ECAA. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Air Navigation Services Agency, responsible for air traffic management and control, took over responsibility for air traffic control of its national skies in December 2019. The Agency is operational, but seriously lacks human resources to ensure sustainable long-term functioning. EU rules on ground handling have been implemented, but further efforts are needed to improve their application. More efforts are needed for accident investigations and air traffic security. Bosnia and Herzegovina has partially aligned with the EU Regulation on Passenger Rights, 79 fulfilling its obligation under the ECAA Agreement. Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to progress in adopting the rules on the protection of the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility in accordance with the EU Regulation.
Macedonia
On aviation, North Macedonia has maintained a good level of alignment with the EU acquis and has partially aligned with the aviation safety legislation. EU support is helping the Civil 77 Aviation Authority comply with requirements of the European Common Aviation Authority Agreement. Alignment and implementation of the Single European Sky legislation still needs to be verified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Further efforts are needed to facilitate the EASA standardisation inspections.
Montenegro
On aviation, amendments to the Law on air transport , which should provide further alignment with the EU acquis on common rules for the operation of air services, are yet to be adopted. The new amendments will be instrumental in the successful completion of the first transitional phase of the European Common Aviation Area and the Single European Sky. However, there are still outstanding issues to be addressed on economic regulation. The tender procedure for the 30-year concessions of Tivat and Podgorica airports, launched in October 2019, is still on-going. The procedure will need to be in full compliance with State aid rules. The law granting EUR 155.000.000 of state funding to Montenegro Airlines was adopted without a prior decision from the State aid authority, even though this is provided for under national legislation and the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. Montenegro has not yet made payments on the basis of this law. The government, as the initiator of the aid, now needs to provide the State aid authority with the necessary information and time to take a qualified decision and thus to demonstrate its functioning and independence. The adoption of several rulebooks provided further alignment on air safety and air traffic operations.
Serbia
Serbia has a good level of alignment with the EU acquis on aviation and continues improving it. Serbia is close to fulfilling all obligations stipulated in the first transitional period of the European Common Aviation Agreement. On the Single European Sky (SES), Serbia completed its transposition process and the local implementation of SES I and SES II on air traffic. No tangible progress was made regarding lifting the suspension of articles on the licensing of air carriers and the normalisation of the lower airspace regime over Kosovo, which remain important priorities.
Kosovo
On air transport, Kosovo is part of the European common aviation area and covered by the single European sky arrangements. The sector continues to face challenges arising from the fact that Kosovo is not a member of several international civil aviation organisations. The lack of revenue from upper airspace management continues to constrain its ability to invest in training and infrastructure development. The Air Navigation Service Agency and the Civil Aviation Authority face funding difficulties and staff shortages. Infrastructure improvements at Pristina International Airport are ongoing, including a runway extension and upgrade of the instrumental landing system. Regarding aviation security, Kosovo is committed to fulfil EU requirements, international standards and recommended practices to prevent “Acts of Unlawful Interference”.
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