As a mode of transport, flying is one of the safest. To make it even safer, any accident must be investigated thoroughly and independently. New EU rules for the investigation of civil aviation accidents were approved by transport ministers meeting at the Council on 11 March.

At present, member states' safety investigation authorities cooperate with each other on an informal basis. The draft regulation will formalise this cooperation by creating a European network of civil aviation safety investigation authorities. The network will facilitate the exchange of information and sharing of resources.

In October 2009, the Commission proposed a series of rules to improve investigation and prevention of accidents and incidents in civil aviation. As for the EC, European rules on investigating civil aviation accidents no longer reflect the realities of the internal aviation market and the complexity of the global aviation industry.

Accident investigation requires much more diversified expertise and resources than a decade ago. The EU institutional and legal framework has also changed, notably with the creation of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) which is responsible for certifying aircraft in the EU.

The new rules on European Aviation Safety Policy clarify the roles of various actors. For example, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Commission will be involved in cooperation and information-sharing with the member states. The measures proposed will clarify the role of all parties involved, better protect important safety information, as well as guarantee the independence of investigations.

Furthermore, the proposal aims at strengthening the implementation of safety recommendations. It will require that every recommendation resulting from an investigation is assessed and acted upon if justified. The establishment of a European database of safety recommendations is also proposed.

The draft regulation lays down the rights and obligations of safety investigators. It also provides for protection of evidence and sensitive information. Each member state will have to have a national plan for assistance to victims and their families.

Responsibility for safety investigations remains with the national authorities. The sole objective of such actions should be to find the cause in order to prevent future accidents, not to lay blame and apportion liability.

The regulation will be adopted jointly by the Council and the European Parliament in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure.