EurECCA calls for immediate suspension of the EU-Qatar Air Transport Agreement following European Parliament concerns
Brussels, 15 June 2026
The European Cabin Crew Association (EurECCA) has formally called on the European Commission to immediately suspend the Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement (CATA) between the European Union and the State of Qatar following serious concerns raised by the European Parliament in its report on the discharge of the implementation of the EU General Budget for 2024.
In a letter addressed to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, EurECCA underlined the importance of respecting the findings of the European Parliament, which expressed deep concern regarding allegations of corruption linked to the negotiation of the EU-Qatar aviation agreement and recalled disciplinary procedures and findings involving senior European Commission officials.
The European Parliament has explicitly stated that the application of the agreement should be evaluated and, if necessary, suspended. EurECCA considers that these concerns cannot be ignored and that the Commission must respond decisively in order to preserve public trust in European institutions.
“Democratic accountability and transparency are fundamental European values,” said Cas Voskuyl, President of EurECCA. “When the European Parliament, as the Union’s primary democratic oversight body, raises serious concerns, these concerns must be properly addressed.”
EurECCA notes that the position taken by the European Commission in its response of 14 April 2026, defending the integrity of the negotiation process, stands in contrast to the conclusions reached by the European Parliament. The Association therefore calls for an immediate and independent evaluation of the agreement and for its suspension pending the outcome of such a review.
Beyond governance concerns, EurECCA continues to warn about the wider consequences of the agreement for the European aviation sector. The Association believes that the current framework risks facilitating unfair competition, social dumping, and downward pressure on employment standards, while potentially undermining aviation safety and high-quality jobs across Europe.
EurECCA further calls upon national governments and parliaments across the European Union to carefully assess the implications of the agreement and to halt ratification procedures until all concerns identified by the European Parliament have been fully addressed.
As the voice of European cabin crew, EurECCA remains committed to defending fair competition, social rights, aviation safety, and democratic principles within the European aviation sector.
About EurECCA
The European Cabin Crew Association (EurECCA) is an independent European organisation representing cabin crew unions and associations across Europe. EurECCA advocates for fair working conditions, social protection, aviation safety, and the protection of European aircrew interests.
