EU-Aviation Partnership Projects (APPs) Steering Committees' Meeting 2025

Brussels, 7 May 2025 – The annual Steering Committee meetings of the EU Aviation Partnership Projects (APPs) were held in Brussels, bringing together over 70 participants from EU institutions and agencies, Member States, industry representatives, and aviation associations. These meetings play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the EU’s international aviation cooperation.

Recognising that aviation transcends borders, the European Union actively partners with authorities around the world to promote high standards, sustainability, and a fair global playing field. As a regulatory authority itself, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is uniquely placed to understand partner countries’ challenges, convene stakeholders, and support capacity building through EU-funded cooperation programmes.

This year’s Steering Committee meetings guided the implementation of projects across Latin America and the Caribbean, South-East Asia, South Asia, and North Asia. Discussions also included updates on EU aviation cooperation in Africa, broader Asia, and the EU Neighbourhood region. These projects support key EU objectives related to safety, sustainability, connectivity, and resilience in aviation.

The meetings offered a valuable platform for dialogue among the wider EU aviation community. Contributions from EU stakeholders beyond EASA helped ensure coordination, avoid duplication, and deliver a well-rounded, strategic view of ongoing and future international activities. The sessions were marked by a rich and dynamic exchange of ideas, with participants offering insightful recommendations and perspectives that will help guide the next steps in the EU’s external aviation actions.

The event was opened by Ms Maria Rueda, Director for Safety Management, Sustainability and Global Outreach, who was representing EASA alongsite Mr Rodrigo Priego, Head of the International Cooperation Department, the EASA International Cooperation section managers and the EASA project teams.

The floor was also given to senior officials of the European Commission for further remarks from: Ms Christine Berg (Head of Unit, DG MOVE E.4), Ms Irene Mingasson (Head of Unit, DG INTPA F.3), and Mr Sergio Oliete (Head of Unit, DG INTPA F.4). 

Background information: The EU-funded Aviation Partnership Projects (APPs), with Latin American & the Caribbean, South-East Asia, South Asia and North Asia, are technical cooperation partnership programmes supporting EU interests linked to cooperation, safety, sustainability and resilience.

The APPs Steering Committees' Meeting offers a collaborative platform for stakeholders to exchange information, shape strategic direction, and foster coordination on the EU-funded and EASA-implemented civil aviation projects. The event also aims to provide a comprehensive overview of other EU external actions in civil aviation. 

The meeting is restricted to representatives from EU institutions, Member States, and industry stakeholders who are engaged in supporting the EU global aviation initiatives.