Videoconference, 18 June 2025 — The 53rd meeting of the ECAC Legal Task Force reviewed the outcomes of the recent Diplomatic Conference (Paris, 20–22 May 2025), which concluded with the adoption of the Convention on the Bureau of the European Civil Aviation Conference. The group examined the legal structure of the new Bureau, and the procedures for signature and ratification.
The group furthermore reviewed recent ICAO legal developments, including work under Article 12 of the Chicago Convention, the legal framework for unmanned aircraft operations, and data protection in the context of international air transport.
Members also discussed the ICAO Council’s decision of 12 May 2025 in the case concerning the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, which marks the first time ICAO has addressed the merits of a dispute between Member States under the organisation’s dispute settlement mechanism. The Council found the Russian Federation in breach of Article 3bis of the Chicago Convention.
In closing, the group expressed its appreciation to Machteld Cambridge (Netherlands) for her leadership as chair of the task force since May 2022. The ECAC Secretariat joins the group in thanking Ms Cambridge for her commitment and strong leadership of the task force in recent years and wishes her all the best in her future activities. The process to appoint her successor is currently underway.