ERA: Work with us constructively or risk further deterioration in the EU's competitiveness

The letter was signed by ERA Director General, Mike Ambrose and ERA President and Olympic Air CEO, Antonis Simigdalas. Addressing journalists at a press conference in Edinburgh at the start of the association's 8th annual Regional Airline Conference, Mike Ambrose said: "Air transport is a key enabler of economic prosperity and a vital link in the social structure of European society. More effective use of Europe's air transport systems can facilitate the delivery of the EU's goals of economic growth, a liberalised society, social cohesion, cultural development and freedom of mobility and choice. The industry and its experts are willing to work cooperatively with regulators and politicians to develop simple, effective regulations that will advance our common interests and improve the lives of European citizens, but this will only be achieved if our collective knowledge and advice are taken seriously. Continuing to apply punitive measures to air transport undermines the EU's ability to deliver all of its objectives and risks much slower progress, while the rest of the world overtakes us. It's time for the European Commission and Parliament to choose." Simigdalas said: "Air transport is operating in the most adverse economic conditions it has ever faced. Its viability is threatened by multiple complex external factors even without the implementation of poorly constructed and often unnecessary regulation. The European Commission, Council and Parliament have an inescapable responsibility to ensure that new legislation is based on solid 'better regulation' principles and processes if it is to be credible, relevant and acceptable to the public and industry. The failure of Europe's leaders to implement and adhere to these basic principles has served only to increase the confusion and disillusion of European citizens - and to produce less than effective and credible end products. It is no coincidence that the US Bill of Rights, written more than 200 years ago, is just a few pages, while the EU's new and controversial 'Constitution' is a document of many thousands of pages. Europe needs to be led from the front, not by 27 member states each protecting its own interests." The Open Letter <http://www.eraa.org/intranet/documents/150/4668/Europe_Time_to_Choose.pdf> is available from the ERA website.