In a significant move aimed at bolstering safety and sustainability in European aviation, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and EUROCONTROL have inked a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC). The agreement, signed by EASA Executive Director Florian Guillermet and EUROCONTROL Director General Raúl Medina, underscores their shared commitment to elevating safety, efficiency, and sustainability within the European civil aviation sector.
Strengthening a Solid Partnership
The collaboration between EUROCONTROL and EASA has long been established, encompassing a wide array of areas including safety, innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. Through consistent information exchange, knowledge sharing, and data collaboration, both organizations have worked towards optimizing the European aviation safety system.
Pivotal Instruments and Areas of Collaboration
Central to this partnership are the EASA-EUROCONTROL Joint Work Programme and the EASA-EUROCONTROL Technical & Coordination Office (TeCO), which have facilitated cooperation in crucial areas such as aviation sustainability, European air traffic management, support to stakeholders, and the production and analysis of safety intelligence.
Expanding Horizons: New Areas of Cooperation
The newly signed MoC supersedes the previous agreement from 2021 and introduces four additional areas of collaboration aimed at further enhancing the safety and resilience of European aviation.
1. Training for Enhanced Implementation
EUROCONTROL will develop and deliver courses in coordination with EASA to ensure effective implementation of EASA rules and to support the evolving regulatory landscape.
2. Cybersecurity Vigilance
The exchange of information on cyber-events impacting aviation safety, exploration of new technologies’ cybersecurity implications, and the creation of cybersecurity exercises are pivotal in fortifying European aviation’s safety and resilience.
3. Advancing Research and Innovation
Joint research and innovation initiatives will be pursued to propel the safety and sustainability of European aviation to new heights.
4. Modernizing CNS Infrastructure
Cooperation on Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) matters will enable EASA to provide relevant certification and oversight support, contributing to the modernization of Europe’s CNS infrastructure.
Florian Guillermet, Executive Director of EASA said: “We are standing together to fulfil Europe’s environmental ambitions, avoiding any gaps in our approach while ensuring that safety remains our priority. Through this cooperation, we will pool our expertise to the benefit of the Member States and the European aviation system as a whole”.
Raúl Medina, Director General of EUROCONTROL, said: “This MoC is a testament to our commitment to reinforce our partnership with EASA and to work together on new common priorities, maximising synergies around topics which are central for the future development of European aviation. I look forward to our continued collaboration as we move forward and prepare to face aviation challenges.”
A Path Forward for European Aviation
The signing of the MoC marks a significant milestone in the journey towards ensuring the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of European aviation. By deepening collaboration and addressing emerging challenges, EASA and EUROCONTROL are poised to steer European aviation towards a brighter and more secure future.
