Aviation Policy of European Union - Essay Example

The policy is successful in availing more choices in the sense that there has been an increase (approximately 220% from 1992-2009) in the number of cross-border intra-EU routes.

This, in turn, has led to lower fares emanating from the emergence of a market for low-cost air services. # 2 The EU is an economic and political union or confederation of 27 member states, located primarily in Europe with approximately 490 million inhabitants (Archer 2008, p.5). The EU operates via a system of supranational independent institutions encompassing intergovernmental negotiated decisions. Some of the key institutions within the EU include European Commission, European Council, and European Parliament (Archer 2008, p.34). The EU incorporates a single market via a standardized system of laws applicable to all member states.

A Mega policy outlines concise and transparent communication of policies, procedures, and compliance requirements within an institution. This ensures that all operations within the industry are aligned with the set strategy and objectives. A Mega policy spells out integrative compliance within all facets of the institution. The EU aviation policy can be regarded as a mega policy as it integrates national markets within the EU. # 3 The EU aviation policy seeks to attain a single market (European Common Aviation Area) devoid of restrictions on market access and pricing.

In addition, the policy seeks regional market integration and liberation within air transport. The EU aviation policy is also geared at attaining the highest possible safety and security standards as well as ensuring environmental sustainability. Furthermore, the policy seeks to confront the capacity crunch and competitiveness within the industry espoused by shared market access (Archer 2008, p.38). This enhances market integration between both EU and non-EU members. The external aviation policy, on the other hand, is established under open skies agreements. The external policy brings about the present mutual agreements in line with the present community law. This is exhibited by the construction of a Community Aviation Area. Both components embrace aspects such as safety, security, and sustainability (Archer 2008, p.43). # 5 EU decision-making can be categorized into primary and secondary legislation.

The treaties, which comprise primary legislation form the basis for all EU action. Secondary legislation, on the other hand, encompasses regulations, directives, and decisions all of which stem from the principles and objectives outlined by the treaties. Decisions within the EU are made through a standard procedure labeled as Ordinary Legislative Procedure. The European Parliament approves EU legislation together with the council. The European Parliament possesses more power in the sense that it can block a proposal if it differs from the council.

The council in this case incorporates the governments of all members from 27 countries. Consequently, the commission drafts and executes the EU legislation through processes such as the Open Method of Coordination. EU policy and decision-making process is democratic and is grounded in the rule of law. # 6 Policymakers within the EU have been the principal drivers of change within the community. The EU policymakers can be considered to be successful in their work roles. This includes efficient use of resources and enhanced coordination between internal structures.

The institutions within the EU have delivered their mandate successfully. This is evidenced by the ever-changing role of the EU in the world arena, especially foreign relations which have been remarkable in shaping policies on the global stage. EU's varying role and competencies as a significant international actor demonstrates the effectiveness of policy-making within the EU (Archer 2008, p.45). # 7 Some of the structural strengths of the EU as a policymaker include shaping efficient EU institutions.

The internal decision-making process within the EU has streamlined the institutions. Other strengths include enhanced accountability within EU institutions. EU has instituted regulation tools that strengthen accountability, vis-a-vis stakeholders. Other strengths of EU policies include streamlining of inter-institutional relations and enhanced participation of stakeholders. Some of the challenges confronting the EU as a policy maker include how to confront issues within the community or at a global stage in a multilateral way while remaining loyal to EU values as well as looking after economic and security interests.

# 8 The EU maintains a strong, unified position within the multilateral arena. Nevertheless, it has been critiqued for acting less normatively than expected when it comes to externalizing its internal market-related policies. Policymaking within the EU is evidence-based as demonstrated by inter alia balancing the policy-making process exhibiting representativeness and legitimacy. Evidence within the EU manifested a slowing of EU competitiveness and prosperity within the community (Archer 2008, p. 49). References List Archer, C. (2008). The European Union, New York, Routledge. pp.2-40.