Text tabled : A7-0094/2012

  Vilja Savisaar-Toomast (ALDE), in writing. – (ET) Today, I supported the adoption of the resolution on the future of regional airports and air services in the EU because this is an important motion regionally, sub-nationally, and from the viewpoint of the internal market. Regional airports make a great economic contribution to society, and thus it is important to guarantee access to them, not only by airbridge, but also by land via public transport.

I agree with the rapporteur that the European Union’s regional airports and air services have a central role to play in the creation of an effective and functioning EU transport network, facilitating trade and ensuring the mobility of greater numbers of people. Regional aviation can play an important role in ensuring that free movement within the EU becomes a reality not only for people living in large capital cities, but also for citizens living outside those regions. It is important to note that these cities and regions would not only benefit from the greater opportunities for mobility, but also from the development of tourism, enabling access to new markets and attracting more domestic economic investment.