Russia is seeking a last-minute delay for new European Union security rules on air freight shipments that are set to come into force next week and which could severely disrupt cargo traffic between Moscow and the 28-member bloc.
Russia insists the EU checks are not necessary because its airlines and airports already meet global air safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization, a United Nations agency.
The EU has granted exemptions to its new rules to about 10 countries including the U.S. and Japan, but talks with Russia have broken down.
A spokesman for the Transportation Ministry said officials had sent a letter to the European Commission's director for air transport suggesting a round of last-ditch talks but were yet to receive a reply.
The new rules state that airlines carrying cargo into the EU from July 1 will have to demonstrate that their security procedures have been approved by EU authorities.
Should Russia and the EU fail to agree on a delay soon, EU authorities could grant Russian airlines a grace period of up to six months on an individual basis, meaning freight traffic between the two markets is unlikely to stop completely.
The EU rules were drawn up in 2012 in response to a foiled terrorist plot. Russia is the EU's eighth most important air freight partner.
See also:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
