To Get To The Other Side

Why did the EU Transport Commissioner create a deadline for an open-sky agreement? Because he has the law on his side. At issue is an agreement between the EU and the US to allow airline access between any EU and US city.
On March 22, the EU must get a majority of votes from 27 member states to pass the open-sky agreement for flights across the Atlantic. Ultimately, airline traffic would increase and the creation of more jobs would follow. Currently, US relies on bilateral agreements with member states for flights. A failure to get a majority at the talks would subjugate the member states to the European Court of Justice for violating a law against such bilateral aviation pacts, according to Reuters.
Britain, however, has a potential veto and is likely to be the biggest deterrent. The problem is that it would result in greater access to London's Heathrow Airport. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic may lose competitiveness. The Transport Commissioner believes that a 2008 agreement would lead to access of the US domestic market, offsetting losses.
The US would face new restrictions in the investments of EU airlines. The US has no plans to alter the 49% maximum foreign-ownership policy and open investment opportunities.