The contract, whose buyers are named as the European Commission, Parliament, Council and the European External Action Service, is described as being “fully or partially financed with EU funds.”
For the highest officials within these institutions, international travel is a key part of their role as they hold discussions with foreign leaders and make speeches around the world. But while the EU prioritizes commercial transport, the Commission said, sometimes it deems that impossible or too dangerous ― especially when staff travel to conflict zones.
No company has yet been awarded the contract for “non-scheduled air-taxi transport services” worth €15.67 million despite it being out for tender for more than a year. The four-year contract from 2021 amounted to just over €12 million.
That previous agreement, which was due to expire at the end of 2025, has been extended until June while the tender procedure continues, the Commission said.
The increase in the estimated cost takes into account “the broader geopolitical context and increased volatility in international affairs, which may generate more short-notice travel needs,” a Commission spokesperson said.
Market developments, including “higher aircraft charter rates and fuel costs,” have also been factored into the projections, the spokesperson said.