The opening of the second phase of negotiations on Open Skies Agreement between the EU and the USA will take place at Brdo pri Kranju between 15 and 16 May 2008.

Apart from Slovenian Transport Minister, Mr. Radovan Žerjav, Mr. Jacques Barrot, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of transport, and Mr. Boyden Gray, U.S. Special Envoy for EU Affairs, will also attend the event.

A press conference will be organized after the introductory addresses of Minister Žerjav, Commissioner Barrot and Special Envoy, Mr. Gray.

The US and European parties will discuss the second phase of negotiations and open issues such as further liberalization of the market, possibilities of investments and environmental policy.

The common objective of the signatories of the agreement EU – USA is a further opening of market access and an increase in benefits for consumers, airlines, workforce and the communities on both sides of the Atlantic. In order to continue this process, the contracting parties will develop a plan including the determination of priority interests for each contracting parties.

Audio:

• Presidency Press Conference (21 MB mp3, original)