In the framework of the struggle against unfair competition, the European Commission stated about its intention to seek a mandate from national governments of EU member-states for talks with countries of the Gulf, as well as Turkey, China, Mexico, Armenia and Association of Southeastern Asian Nations (ASEAN) regarding the so-called “Aviation package,” aimed at the economic growth and improvement of competition within the EU.
The European Commission wants to convince Gulf-based airlines to give up alleged subsidies as the EU plans to struggle against unfair competition.
European airlines accuse Gulf carriers – including Qatar Airways, Emirates and Ethiad Airways – of receiving market-distorting state subsidies, a charge denied by the companies themselves.
“While the additional connections provided by the Gulf airlines are welcome, there are concerns regarding the conditions under which they operate,” the European commission representative said, Euronews reports.
