The 31 member states of Eurocontrol, the European Community (EC) and the EU Transport Council have signed the protocol on the accession of the EC to Eurocontrol at a diplomatic conference held at the organisation's headquarters in Brussels.

Victor Aguado, director general of Eurocontrol, said: “This is an historic day for Europe’s air traffic management. We welcome the accession of the EC to our organisation as an important step towards the much-needed improvement of the European air traffic situation. As a member of Eurocontrol, the EC will strengthen our ability to implement agreed pan-European programmes for the benefit of the entire aviation community.”

Loyola de Palacio, vice president of the European Commission, added: “The Community’s contribution to Eurocontrol will pave the way for the smooth implementation of the Single European Sky project.”