Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council. 2014 annual report on the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 300/2008 on common rules in the field of civil aviation security

The year 2014 was marked by the entry into force of the first phase of technology-based controls of liquids, gels and aerosols (LAGs) carried by passengers in their cabin baggage as well as the end of the transitional phase for the implementation of the EU inbound cargo and mail requirements. Both issues were much debated prior to their entry into force and subject to an intense preparatory phase, which allowed for a smooth and timely implementation.

Continuing the consolidation process initiated in 2013, the Commission adopted in June 2014 a further legislative package aiming at clarifying, harmonising and simplifying the existing aviation security measures. Member States and stakeholders welcomed the changes which improve legal clarity, so as to avoid diverging interpretations of the legislation and further ensure the best implementation of the common basic standards on aviation security.

The package also included an alignment of the customs' authorised economic operator programme and the aviation security regime for regulated agents and known consignors. This alignment allows for mutual recognition of certain activities carried out by the respective authorities, facilitating the concerned industry and government authorities, while at the same time maintaining current security levels.

Following the outcome of the EU risk assessment focusing on passenger related risks, intense work to further increase the explosive detection capability was carried out throughout the year 2014. The work resulted in legislation defining the use of explosive trace detection (ETD) equipment for the screening of passengers, baggage and cargo. The use of ETD in the passenger and cabin baggage screening processes will become mandatory as of September 2015. In parallel, two further rounds of air cargo risk assessments were carried out.

On the international scene, the Commission participated effectively in all relevant International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) events and fora where it continued to play an important role in the coordination of the EU’s position and strategy as regards aviation security policy internationally. The Commission fully engaged with key third country partners and regional organisations, and during 2014 organised and participated in several bilateral and multi-lateral meetings. A particular emphasis was put on awareness raising activities in the African region in order to facilitate the smooth implementation of the inbound cargo and mail requirements.

Monitoring the implementation of aviation security measures by Member States and relevant operators through EU inspections is another area in which close cooperation between Member States and the Commission took place throughout the year. Compliance levels remained stable and did not require any suspension of the EU's One Stop Security System in 2014.