EASA and EUROCONTROL are to increase the level of cooperation between the two organisations to further enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in the European civil aviation sector under an agreement signed last month.
The MoC (Memorandum of Cooperation) replaces an existing one signed in 2021 between the regulator and the pan-European air traffic management organisation.
The MoC addresses four new areas to enhance the safety and resilience of European aviation – training, cybersecurity, research and innovation, as well as Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS).
Other areas such as aviation sustainability, Air Traffic Management / Air Navigation Services (ATM/ANS) Rules, Specifications, and Standards at Global Level; Support to Stakeholders; and Production and Analysis of ATM/ANS Safety Intelligence are also covered in the agreement.
The partnership is coordinated through the Joint Work Programme and the EASA-EUROCONTROL Technical & Coordination Office (TeCO).
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.”
Training courses will be developed and delivered by EUROCONTROL, in coordination with EASA, to ensure an effective implementation of EASA rules and support the continuous evolution of the regulatory landscape.
Information will be exchanged regarding cyber-events and incidents that have an impact on aviation safety, and new technologies and their influence on cybersecurity will be explored. Additionally, tabletop cybersecurity exercises will be created and deployed. This new area of cooperation is essential as the two organisations aim for the highest level of safety and resilience of European aviation.
Joint research and innovation activities will be designed to advance the safety and sustainability of European aviation.
Cooperation on CNS matters will allow EASA to bring the relevant certification and oversight aspects, thereby supporting the CNS Programme Manager’s role within the EUROCONTROL Network Manager to modernise Europe’s CNS infrastructure.