European participation in the 35th ICAO AVSEC Panel
Paris, 15 April 2024 — Members of the European Coordination Group on Aviation Security, including European members of, and observers to, the ICAO AVSEC Panel, met to consider in greater detail the proposals to be taken at the 35th AVSEC Panel.
Discussion focused on the need to reaffirm the principles of the ICAO Global Aviation Security Plan, without any watering-down of its level of ambition, and to promote a risk-based approach to the prioritisation of ICAO’s aviation security work. Preferred options for the way forward on replacing liquids’ restrictions with screening of liquids were discussed, along with the need for appropriate transparency around one-stop security arrangements. Practical arrangements for continued discussion and contact during the Panel itself were also established.
Montreal, 22-26 April 2024 — The ten European members of the ICAO AVSEC Panel, along with observers from other ECAC Member States, the ECAC Secretariat and the European Commission, participated in the 35th AVSEC Panel in Montreal. The meeting confirmed the updated version of the ICAO Global Aviation Security Plan, and developed the way forward on future policy work, including arrangements on liquids and gels and one-stop security. The Panel expressed concerns over proposed changes to AVSEC training arrangements by ICAO, and a proposal from the Dangerous Goods Panel that could affect the role of security officers. Panel Members from States represented on the ICAO Council will continue to address these points with their Council members.
The Panel also discussed the draft text of a declaration planned for AVSEC Week, scheduled to take place in Oman in December. A revised proposal was developed based on the ICAO Council’s priorities.