Eurocontrol and the FSVT move closer to agreement (300 words)

Published: 8/7/2000

The European Organization for Safety of Air Navigation (Eurocontrol) and Russia` FSVT have recently held talks in Moscow for a preliminary understanding on a wider agreement covering cooperation between the two bodies. The formal discussions between Moscow and Brussels on a framework agreement started nearly two years when the FSVT`s First Deputy Director Viktor Galkin and Eurocontrol`s Director General Yves Lambert signed a protocol of intentions in late 1998, but after a slow start it appears that the talks are gaining momentum. The reaching of agreement with the FSVT is an important step for Eurocontrol in the opinion of some commentators, as Russian airspace delivers over 20% of the European region's traffic and a smooth interface between the zones is essential for the efficient management of the region's air space. Eurocontrol has already made agreements with countries neighbouring its area of responsibility including Moldova, Belarus, the Baltic States and Ukraine. However, the present accord with FSVT is definitely larger in scope and in the fields of activities. According to a spokesman for Eurocontrol the draft FSVT agreement is similar to the existing agreement between Eurocontrol and the FAA. During the current round of talks the FSVT and Eurocontrol finalized the text of the agreement and agreed on the basic principles of its application. In particular, that both sides agreed to develop their cooperation in the following fields of activities: development of ATS route network, streaming of existing airspace utilization procedures, air traffic flow management, training of ATM personnel, billing of air navigation charges, conduct of research & development programs and implementation of joint GNSS programs(e.g. Automatic Dependent Surveillance). Russia and Eurocontrol will now aim to have the agreement ready for signing by Yves Lambert and FSVT Director Vladimir Andreyev by the end of this year.

Article ID: 1967