International cooperation

International co-operation is closely linked to rulemaking as it covers both the development of international standards that may become European rules and the conclusion of international agreements or arrangements that become binding on the EU or the Agency.

Multilateral co-operation

In terms of international co-operation, the Agency's work comprises assistance to the EU and its Member States in harmonising rules and promoting European standards at international level. Experts from the Rulemaking Directorate participate therefore in the work of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Bilateral co-operation

The Agency also works at facilitating the free movement of European products and services worldwide. This can be achieved by assisting third country regulators certifying European products and service providers. Reciprocally European certificates can be issued on the basis of third country certificates when there is sufficient confidence in the regulatory system of partner authorities to use their findings. To do so, bilateral agreements or working arrangements have to be concluded by the EU or the Agency, depending on the nature of the subject to be covered. The Agency assists therefore the Commission in the negotiation of agreements that have to bind the EU and its Member States or negotiates directly the arrangement covering its own field of activities.

Technical co-operation

To ensure the highest level of civil aviation safety, because European citizens travel everywhere in the world and third country aircraft fly to EU airports, the Agency shall assist less-developed countries in improving their regulatory capabilities. In this domain the Agency also works with the European Commission in the development and implementation of significant co-operation projects in Asia and Central America.