Lobbying in the European Commission: The Case of Air Transport

First published in 2000, this volume examines the role of industry representation in the EU in the case of the air transport industry. Air transport has contributed to areas including member state interdependence, national defence in foreign policy considerations and national identity in terms of ‘flag carrier’ airlines. Dinos Kyrou looks at specific case studies concerning aspects of integration of the air transport sector within the European Union. These case studies – an examination of a European Commission Proposal for a Council Directive and the attempt by the Commission to formulate a Proposal for a Council Regulation – are stages in the process of policy formulation which are aimed at enhancing the liberalisation which was completed de jure in 1992. In both cases, the increasing prominence of the Competition Directorate of the European Commission (DGIV) has been evident. Kyrou’s question is whether this reflects a restoration or a creation of pride and self.