Ref. Ares(2020)6881565 
        - 18/11/2020 

  To:                          SPANOU Despina (CAB-SCHINAS); DEMIRIS Vangelis (CAB-SCHINAS); GAUER Celine (SG); ; SLEATH William (SG); Cc:                          SG F2 Subject:                     Minutes of the meeting with Airbus, 18 September 2020 Participants Commission : D. Spanou, V. Demiris, Airbus : The meeting took place at the request of Airbus which see the aeronautics sector as one that could overall contribute positively to the European way of life and EU’s citizens’ security. Airbus welcomed the EU ecosystem of space and aviation and acknowledged that EU solidarity has helped the aviation sector, particularly in countries such as FR or ES where the EU recovery funds would be used to support aviation and in particular research into new technologies. However, it also drew attention to several difficulties faced by the aviation sector since the start of the COVID outbreak, such as the situation created by the lack of harmonisation of travel conditions. Airbus also advocated for more financing for EU projects and suggested that a project for funding the replacement of old aircraft for airlines could be in line with the goals of the Green Deal as it could lead to a lower level of emissions and a more sustainable aviation sector. It also emphasised that the aeronautics sector is very much linked with space and defence due to the dual-use technologies involved and recalled the role of aeronautics in the technological sovereignty of the EU. It also mentioned the WTO aircraft dispute and the fact that it had been hit by sanctions from the US with an important impact on profitability and it counted for support from the EU defending its industry. The Cabinet emphasised the efforts made by the EU during the crisis to ensure that the industry survives and it becomes more sustainable and competitive. It also encouraged Airbus to continue exchanging views with the Commission on such matters.