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