International collaboration

The role of the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development in international air transport

The air transport sector is characterized by a high level of cooperation at the international level. The Federal Republic of Germany is involved in the most important global and European organizations. It is a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and participates in the relevant bodies of the European Union (EU). In addition, it is represented in the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) and participates in the activities of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL).

Global level

At the global level, international cooperation takes place in ICAO, the International Civil Aviation Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations. ICAO was founded in 1944 by the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention).

The main task of ICAO is to develop and evolve uniform rules for the safety, regularity and efficiency of international air navigation. In addition, it is responsible for planning for the development of ground installations and services in the nine geographical regions of air transport.

The Federal Republic of Germany has been a member of ICAO since 1956. The organization now has 189 members. The Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development represents the Federal Republic of Germany with an office in Montreal (Canada), the headquarters of the organization. Germany is represented on the ICAO Council, the executive body of the organization, by a permanent representative. The Federal Republic of Germany is an active member of various Council committees and the Air Navigation Commission, which comprises 19 experts. This main task of this commission is to elaborate and optimize the technical rules governing international civil aviation.

European level

At this level, the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development represents German interests primarily in EU bodies.

The major subject areas are:

• contributing to the shaping of external aviation relations;
• enhancing aviation safety and security;
• improving the consumer rights of air passengers.

Aviation safety means ensuring the technical safety of aircraft, whereas aviation security focuses on safeguarding aviation against acts of unlawful interference. At the European level, the Federal Republic of Germany is also involved in ECAC, EASA and EUROCONTROL.

European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC)

The European Civil Aviation Conference was founded in 1955 on the recommendation of the Council of Europe as the permanent organization of the European aviation authorities. Today, 42 authorities are members of the Conference, which has its headquarters in Paris. Its aims are to promote international cooperation and to make better use and ensure the orderly development of civil aviation in Europe.

ECAC coordinates the European positions on ICAO matters and makes recommendations on policy issues relating to commercial air transport. In particular, it discusses subjects in the following fields:

• environmental protection;
• security;
• economic issues;
• air transport operations;
• integration of new members.

European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is at the heart of the European Union's air transport policy. Its aim is to promote the highest possible common safety and environmental standards in civil aviation.

The Agency started work in September 2003, initially in Brussels, before moving to its permanent base in Cologne in November 2004. It is headed by an executive director and controlled by a management board, on which all Member States and the European Commission are represented.

The Agency's main responsibilities are:

• developing draft regulations and draft bilateral airworthiness agreements and publishing technical specifications;
• certification in the field of airworthiness;
• providing support and advice to the Commission on aviation issues;
• conducting studies and research to improve air safety and environmental protection in aviation;
• monitoring the uniform application of rules by Member States and reviewing the efficiency and quality and these rules.

Foundation: Regulation (EC) No 1592/2002 laid the foundation for uniform EU aviation law and established the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The principal objectives of this regulation are to establish a high uniform level of safety and environmental protection in civil aviation in Europe, more efficient certification procedures and the worldwide promotion of European aviation standards. EASA has thus acquired worldwide significance beyond Europe.

European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL)

EUROCONTROL is a civil-military organization and was founded in 1963 with its headquarters in Brussels. The founding states were the Benelux countries (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg), Germany, France and the United Kingdom. The body operates not just for its 36 members but for all 42 ECAC states.

The primary objective of EUROCONTROL is to develop a seamless, pan-European air traffic management system. This is necessary in order to meet the challenges presented by the forecast growth in air traffic while maintaining a high level of safety. At the same time, the system is designed to reduce costs and ensure maximum environmental compatibility.

In addition, EUROCONTOL operates other facilities that are important for air transport at seven European locations. They include, for instance, the Central Flow Management Unit, which coordinates all European flights, and the Maastricht Upper Area Control Centre, which is responsible for air traffic control in the upper airspace of the Benelux countries and Northwestern Germany.