NATO allies alarmed, annoyed by US Open Skies exit

After a special NATO session on Friday to discuss next steps, the statement read out by Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg was little more than a compilation of long-held views reconfirming NATO's commitment to arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation and a relatively mild rebuke that Russia's "selective implementation" of its obligations "has undermined" the treaty. NATO noted US plans to "reconsider its withdrawal should Russia return to full compliance," and pledged further efforts toward convincing the Kremlin to do so, which it suggested should happen at "the earliest date possible."

Read more: NATO allies alarmed, annoyed by US Open Skies exit | World| Breaking news and perspectives from around the globe | DW | 22.05.2020

travelbite.co.uk: Open skies agreement could mean cheaper flights

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Open skies agreement could mean cheaper flights

Cheaper flights for air passengers may be on the horizon with a new agreement between the European Union (EU) and the US called open skies agreed today in Brussels. The agreement will lift current route restrictions between EU countries and the US by March 2008, giving passenger hundreds more flight options.

This means from March 2008 British Airways and Virgin Atlantic's monopoly on routes to the US from London Heathrow will be lifted, giving holidaymakers greater flexibility, as well as a strong chance of cheaper flights.However, there are still some elements of the agreement to be negotiated, notably over European airlines having full rights to operate flights in the US

FT.com / Europe - UK ‘says it has right’ to veto open skies deal - by Andrew Bounds

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UK ‘says it has right’ to veto open skies deal - by Andrew Bounds

A deal to open up the transatlantic air market faced fresh trouble on Wednesday when lawyers said the UK had the right to veto it. Although the European Union’s 27 member states usually decide transport matters by majority voting, this pact would require unanimous approval, according to a legal opinion from the European Council, the representative body for ministers from member states.

“The legal basis is such that it requires consensus,” said the council. “All member states must agree.” The news came amid the first signs of union opposition in the US.