In the framework of the development of cooperation between EU island Member States on issues related to Air Connectivity, the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Mr.Yannis Karousos, travelled to Malta and had today a bilateral meeting with his counterpart Mr.Aaron Farougia.
During the meeting between the two Ministers, the developments in the Fit for 55 in relation to air transport were discussed and it was agreed that cooperation and coordination between the two states will continue in order to maintain what has been achieved so far for the benefit of the island and peripheral states of the EU.
The aim is to have the best possible outcome in the negotiations currently taking place between the European Parliament, the EU Presidency and the European Commission, the two Ministers agreed.
In particular, the provision for an aircraft refuelling exemption for Cyprus and Malta for airports where the distance between them is less than 1200 km should remain in the legislative proposal.
Also, retain the allocation of 20 million free greenhouse gas emission allowances with an attempt to increase them to 60 million to assist the use of sustainable aviation fuels in order to cover the increase in costs compared to conventional fuels. In particular for Cyprus and Malta to maintain the provision to cover 100% of the price difference between sustainable aviation fuel and conventional fuel.
The promotion of electromobility was also discussed with Ministers sharing their experiences to date in implementing their electromobility strategy, the problems that have arisen and solutions that have been promoted.
In the context of the meeting, the forthcoming Council of Transport Ministers to be held on 5 December 2022 in Brussels, where the amendment of the Trans-European Transport Network Regulation will be discussed. The challenges faced by the two island countries are the same and the two Ministers expressed their satisfaction with the cooperation so far and indicated that the necessary coordination between the two Ministries will be done in order for the two countries to achieve the best possible connectivity with Continental Europe through the European Transport Networks and to draw funds from the EU within the framework of the Trans-European Transport Networks policy.
The Minister said that it is important to keep what we have gained so far in terms of reducing the negative impact that the Fit for 55 legislative package will have on aviation. Particularly the references and exemptions for islands, and that is why we are building alliances within the EU with countries such as Malta and taking joint initiatives to further improve the proposals to reduce the negative impacts, but also to promote our joint positions in relation to aviation, road transport and to highlight our specificities in relation to our geographical location and the island nature of our countries.
Mr Karousos, given the importance of both the Fit for 55 and air transport provisions and the issue of the Trans-European Transport Network, will travel to Athens next week for a meeting with his counterpart Mr. Konstantinos Karamalis.
(ΘΓ/ΝΓ)
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