As hinted at in the name, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is an Agency of the European Union. To be more precise, it is a decentralised agency of the European Union (EU).
EU decentralised Agencies are public authorities set up under European law, enjoying their own legal personality. These Agencies are established to fulfil a task of technical or scientific nature, or a specific management task defined in their respective founding regulation.
While EASA is an independent and neutral body, we work closely with the EU Institutions, mainly the European Commission, European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. EASA also supports the cooperation between the EU and national governments by pooling technical and specialist expertise and knowledge from both the EU institutions and national authorities.
EASA and the European Commission
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| The Headquarters of the European Commission © European Union 2021 |
The European Commission is a key EU institution. The Commission is the only EU institution with the power to draw up proposals for new EU legislation, which is then sent to the Council and Parliament for discussion and adoption.
DG MOVE is the Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport of the European Commission. It is responsible for developing and implementing EU policies related to transportation and mobility. Therefore, DG MOVE is EASA’s “parent DG”.
DG MOVE works to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation systems across the European Union. Its responsibilities include formulating legislation, promoting innovation in transport technologies, coordinating transport infrastructure projects, and fostering international cooperation on transport issues.
How does EASA work with the European Commission and DG MOVE?
By working closely with the European Commission and, in particular, DG MOVE, EASA plays a vital role in advancing EU priorities and delivering tangible benefits to European citizens.
- Alignment with EU policies: EASA works hand in hand with DG MOVE to ensure alignment with EU policies and objectives. Collaborating on various projects, sharing information, and coordinating activities to achieve common goals.
- Support and Guidance: DG MOVE provides support and guidance to EASA in the respective areas of expertise. This assistance helps EASA carry out the Agency’s mandates effectively and contribute to EU policymaking.
- Policy Development: EASA assists the European Commission and in particular DG MOVE in developing and implementing EU policies. Offering specialised knowledge, conduct research, and provide recommendations to inform decision-making processes.
- Reporting and Accountability: EASA reports to DG MOVE on its activities, findings, and recommendations. This ensures transparency and accountability in EASA’s operations and helps evaluate the performance.
EASA and the EU Parliament
The European Parliament is the elected body that represents EU citizens. It supervises the EU’s activities and, together with the Council, passes EU legislation. The European Parliament also shares with the Council equal responsibility for adopting the EU budget (proposed by the European Commission).
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| EASA's Executive Director, Florian Guillermet, speaking at the TRAN Committee © European Union 2024 - Source : EP |
Among the 20 thematic committees of the European Parliament, the Transport and Tourism Committee (TRAN), Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) and the Committee on Budgets (BUDG) play an important role for EASA.
How does EASA work with the EU Parliament?
By working closely with the EU Parliament and its committees, EASA ensures that it remains accountable to the EU citizens and contributes to the effective functioning of the EU.
- Oversight and Accountability: The EU Parliament plays a crucial role in overseeing EU agencies, ensuring they represent the interests of EU citizens.
- Regular Hearings: The Parliament, in particular the TRAN committee, regularly invites EASA’s Executive Director to discuss the Agency’s activities, budgetary matters, and future plans. This open dialogue ensures transparency and accountability in agency operations.
- Budget Approval: Before an EU agency can receive funding, its budget must be reviewed and approved by the EU Parliament. This ensures that taxpayers’ money is spent wisely and in line with EU priorities.
- Information Requests: The Parliament can request reports and information from EASA, allowing it to stay informed about the Agency’s activities and make informed decisions.
EASA and the EU Council
The EU Council (also known as the Council of Ministers) is made up of ministers from the EU’s national governments. The Member States take it in turns to hold the Council Presidency for a 6-month period. The Council’s main job is to pass EU laws. Normally, it shares this responsibility with the European Parliament. The Council and the Parliament also share equal responsibility for adopting the EU budget.
There are dozens of working groups within the EU Council covering a wide range of policy areas. The AVIA Group is a working group focused on aviation-related matters. It primarily deals with civil aviation policies, regulations and coordination among EU Member States. The group addresses various aspects of aviation, such as safety standards, air traffic management, airport infrastructure, environmental considerations, and international aviation agreements.
The AVIA Group comprises representatives from the national governments of EU Member States, along with officials from the European Commission. These representatives work together to discuss, negotiate, and develop policies that affect the aviation sector across the European Union.
How does EASA collaborate with the EU Council?
By supporting the European Commission's work with the EU Council, EASA contributes to the development and implementation of policies that promote the well-being and prosperity of all EU citizens.
- Policy Support: EASA supports the European Commission's work with the EU Council in developing and implementing EU policies. The Agency offers expertise, research, and analysis in specific areas, working together to drive policy development.
- Information Sharing: EASA shares updates, reports, and recommendations with the EU Council.
- Consultation: When needed, the EU Council can consult EASA for advice and assistance.
EASA Brussels Office
While the Headquarters of EASA are in Cologne, Germany, EASA also has an office in Brussels. This proximity plays an important role in enhancing the effectiveness and visibility of EASA within the European Union.
- Representation: The office serves as the main representation of EASA in the heart of the European Union, allowing the Agency to maintain close communication and cooperation with EU institutions, Member States, and other stakeholders.
- Coordination: The office facilitates coordination and collaboration between EASA and the EU institutions, such as the European Commission and the European Parliament. Helping to ensure alignment of activities and priorities with EU policies and objectives.
- Information Sharing: The office acts as a hub for sharing information and expertise with the relevant stakeholders. This includes organising meetings, workshops, and events to disseminate knowledge and best practices.
- Support: The office provides support to the EASA Headquarters in Cologne in various areas, including policy development, stakeholder engagement, and administrative matters. EASA's Brussels Office also assists in promoting the visibility and impact of EASA within the EU policymaking process.