Geschil tussen VS en EU over steun aan Boeing en Airbus (en)

The European Union has indicated that it would be ready to cut aid to Airbus, the world's biggest plane maker, if Washington were prepared to do the same for Boeing.

"The EU has as strong an interest in disciplining government support to Boeing as the US has in disciplining support to Airbus," said European Commission spokesperson Ewa Hedlund, according to agency reports, on Saturday (14 August).

The comments from Brussels come after US President George W. Bush said on Friday that EU subsidies to Airbus are "unfair" and that the US may file a complaint to the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

"I have instructed US Trade Representative Bob Zoellick to inform European officials at their September meeting that we think those subsidies are unfair," President Bush said after meeting with Boeing employees in Seattle.

"He should pursue all options to end these subsidies, including bringing a WTO case", the president added.

1992 agreement

Airbus, which is based in France, receives loans from the British, French and German governments while Boeing gets indirect subsidies through research grants from defence projects.

Rules on the matter stem from a 1992 agreement between the EU and the US on government support - which also covers aircraft.

"Any discussion needs to address both direct support, as granted by European governments to Airbus in the form of repayable loans, and indirect support as provided by the U.S. government to Boeing," said Mrs Hedlund, according to Bloomberg.