Canada and European Union agreement on civil aviation safety
On July 26, 2011, a Canada-European Union Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA) came into force after the approval of the Canadian Parliament and the EU Parliament and the exchange of diplomatic notes, which indicates the completion of domestic procedures.
Under the new agreement, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) will recognize certification of Canadian aviation products and services, allowing the Canadian aviation industry to be much more competitive in the European market. Civil aviation safety will also be enhanced, as EASA and Transport Canada will work cooperatively to resolve safety issues.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and European Commission President José Manuel Barroso signed the BASA at the European Union-Canada Summit, on May 6, 2009, in Prague, Czech Republic.
A similar agreement was signed between Canada and the United States in 2000, and has had a positive impact on Canada’s civil aviation industry, resulting in stronger harmonization of safety requirements.