Aiming for the Sky: international aviation in the political agenda of the European Commission

The proposed paper raises the issue of changes in the EU aviation policy in light of long-term trends together with the current distortions and growing uncertainty caused by the most severe crisis in its history. Aviation is one of the strategic sectors for the region, generating 9,8 million jobs, ensuring vital connectivity, driving growth, supporting business and tourism, enhancing social cohesion, and cultural exchange. Only in the EU, it provides services to 972 m passengers per year, supporting 9,4 m jobs. However, 2020 exposed much weakness of the air transport system, followed by a temporary relaxation of rules as part of crisis mitigation and forced questions about the green recovery. The ongoing struggle against the COVID-19 pandemic and the mounting problem of climate change affects the condition and perception of the sector in a visible way. In view of the foregoing, this paper will reflect on the approach of the European Commission to sectoral changes. The Author will focus on the content of the current agenda and its links with broader political priorities. In particular, the proposed paper will address the position assigned to environmental protection as the focal point and the initiatives coupled with this segment. On a substantive level, the inquiry is linked with an attempt to understand the European political perception of problems, adaptation to the demands of the Anthropocene, and the transfer of these views beyond the polity. Drawing on this, the second part of the paper will delve into the issue of political arrangements and governance modes on which the Commission relies and which institution proposes in light of the recognized challenges along with its standing in the global aviation system.