EU/US open skies talks convene in Washington, not expected to bear fruit

EU and US negotiators commenced the fourth round of Stage 2 open skies talks in Washington yesterday, focusing on liberalization of traffic rights and foreign investment, state-aid, security and the environment. The Stage 1 agreement now in effect requires the conclusion of a Stage 2 accord by October 2010 (ATWOnline, May 6). However, insiders don't expect significant progress will be achieved at this week's gathering because the EU will hold firm on its requirement that the US ease ...