The 4th meeting of the Joint Committee under the Common Aviation Area Agreement between the EU and Moldova
The 4th Meeting of the Joint Committee under the Common Aviation Area Agreement between the EU and Moldova
Today, November 19, the 4th meeting of the Joint Committee established under the Common Aviation Area Agreement between the European Union (EU), its Member States, and the Republic of Moldova took place in Chișinău. This meeting marks an important milestone in the ongoing cooperation between the EU and Moldova in the field of aviation.
The Joint Committee brought together representatives from the European Union and the Republic of Moldova. The EU delegation included officials from the European Commission and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), while the Moldovan delegation consisted of representatives from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Civil Aviation Authority, and representatives from the aviation industry.
The event agenda covered key topics, including:
- Improving connectivity and facilitating more direct flights between the EU and Moldova;
- Maintaining high standards of aviation safety and security by continuing cooperation to align Moldova's aviation regulations with EU standards;
- A detailed presentation by EU representatives on the EU acquis, with a focus on SES2+ (Single European Sky);
- The regulatory framework for remotely piloted aircraft systems (drones);
- EES/ETIAS systems;
- EASA provided an update on the actions carried out in 2024 and the plans for the upcoming year under the Eastern Partnership 2024-2025 project.
During the meeting, EU representatives acknowledged Moldova’s significant progress since signing the agreement, particularly in implementing the regulations outlined in Annex III. This progress was reflected in the substantial growth in passenger traffic and the number of destinations. With a 118% increase in passenger numbers since 2013 and continuous route expansion (32 routes in 2024, representing 123% of the 2019 level) and destinations (34 destinations in 2024, a 21% increase from 2023), the cooperation has demonstrated remarkable success. This growth is also reflected in increased cargo traffic and scheduled transport capacity for 2024.
In conclusion, discussions focused on the need to update Annex III of the Agreement to include the new European regulatory framework for air transport, with an emphasis on passenger rights, drone regulations, the Single European Sky, and other updates to previously adopted regulations. This Annex ensures the alignment of Moldova’s aviation regulations with EU standards.
The Joint Committee acknowledged Moldova's achievements and commitments in civil aviation, reaffirming EU support and opportunities for further collaboration, including technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives to support Moldova's aviation sector.
The next Joint Committee meeting is scheduled to take place in Brussels in 2025.
