CONVERSATION WITH DUTCH ON EUROPEAN AVIATION

UNCLAS THE HAGUE 002859 SIPDIS SENSITIVE EB/TRA/OTP FOR M.WALKLET USEU FOR J.KESSLER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAIR ECON ETRD NL SUBJECT: CONVERSATION WITH DUTCH ON EUROPEAN AVIATION SAFETY AGENCY REF: STATE 267840 ¶1. (SBU) On November 14, EconCounselor and EconOff met with Rene Fennes, Director of the International Affairs Bureau at the Directorate General for Civil Aviation, Netherlands Ministry of Transport. (Note: Fennes attended the Oct. 1-2 U.S.-EU aviation talks on behalf of the Netherlands. End Note.) EconCounselor raised the points in ref A demarche that concern a requirement for member states to send a diplomatic note covering the transfer of certain safety-related competencies to the EASA. Fennes said the Netherlands intends to send the U.S. a note in the near future, and that such note will contain "no surprises." The delay stems from the Netherlands' unwillingness to adopt the language that was suggested by the Commission. The Dutch viewed Brussels' template language as being too slanted toward the EASA. Fennes explained that the Dutch are not alone in their concerns about the Commission's recommended letter. Fennes reiterated his government's commitment to ensuring a robust EASA that functions as an "equal partner" to its U.S. counterpart. He said he hoped the Italians would put EASA framework legislation on the agenda soon. ¶2. (SBU) On the subject of U.S.-EU air services talks, Fennes praised the approach of the U.S. delegation as "constructive," "open-minded" and inclusive of all parties' concerns. On the issue of Heathrow, Fennes said the Dutch respect British views, but at the same time want to ensure that decisions are not made to the detriment of EU-wide or Netherlands-specific concerns. Fennes commented that he would appreciate more information on the U.S. position on the so-called "free-rider" principle. ¶3. (SBU) TSA/DHS recently completed an inspection of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. During a discussion of the Schiphol certification, Fennes admitted he finds this USG practice to be very helpful in raising the safety/security standards of airports worldwide. He hopes the Commission will someday have a similar European certification for airports. RUSSEL