Jacqueline Foster, rapporteur for the opinion of the Committee on Transport and Tourism. – Mr President, first I would like to thank my shadow rapporteurs on the Transport Committee and other Members who have been extremely supportive of our position. The Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) has supported for many years a single, global emissions scheme. It is imperative, Commissioner, that the EU allows time for the ground-breaking International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) negotiation discussions to be concluded. As we know, constructive talks are already underway and it is vital that countries such as the US, China, India and others are included as they are major players in this field.

I would note that the US can still be part of CORSIA as neither the aviation nor the maritime sectors are included in the COP. To avoid duplication and excessive bureaucracy, the global scheme must include all international intra-EEA and domestic flights. To date, as you know, more than 70 countries have voluntarily signed up to the scheme, which between them emit nearly 90% of aviation CO2 emissions worldwide. We believe that all future revenues should be ring-fenced by Member States, and must be reinvested by an R&D project, such as Single European Sky, Clean Sky, SESAR and others.

To avoid the risk of a future snapback to the EU emissions trading system (ETS), which severely damaged our international relations and our aerospace industries, it is vital that our proposed TRAN text amendments be supported. This will be the best opportunity that we have had for the European Union to be part of a global solution, supported by Member States, the Commission, including Commissioner Bulc, and industry, and bringing all key world players onside. Of course, Commissioner, it is absolutely vital that we stop the clock.