EU and Qatar reach aviation agreement
The European Union and the State of Qatar last week initialled a comprehensive air transport agreement, the first such agreement between the EU and a partner from the Gulf region. The agreement will upgrade the rules and standards for flights between Qatar and the EU, and will set a new global benchmark by committing to strong, fair competition mechanisms, including provisions not normally covered by bilateral air transport agreements, such as on social and environmental matters. The agreement could generate nearly €3 billion over the period 2019-2025 and create around 2 000 new jobs by 2025. It is part of the Aviation Strategy for Europe, which aims at giving a new boost to European aviation and providing business opportunities.
