The 166th Meeting of the Directors General of Civil Aviation (DGCA/166) of the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) took place on 19 May 2026 in Marseille, France, bringing together leading figures from the European aviation sector to coordinate strategic priorities concerning safety, sustainability, and international cooperation in air transport. Greece was represented by the Governor of the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Christos Tsitouras.

During the meeting, the Directors General elected David Benito (Spain) and Henri van Faassen (Netherlands) as Vice-Presidents of ECAC. In addition, Maksim Et'hemaj (Albania) and Francine Zimmermann (Switzerland) were appointed as members of the ECAC Coordinating Committee.

Important decisions were also taken regarding training and technical cooperation. Ivan Scekic (Montenegro) and Maksim Et'hemaj (Albania) were proposed for participation on the Board of the JAA Training Organisation (JAA TO) Foundation.

As part of efforts to strengthen international cooperation, the Civil Aviation Authorities of Montenegro and France signed a cooperation agreement aimed at further harmonisation with international standards and the enhancement of bilateral relations in the aviation sector.

The Directors General were also briefed on ECAC’s ongoing activities and work in areas such as facilitation capacity-building, financial support to Ukraine, and other related initiatives. Greece, together with other Member States, officially signed the Convention on the Bureau of the European Civil Aviation Conference. Through this agreement, the ECAC Bureau acquires international legal personality for the first time, thereby strengthening the institutional framework and autonomy of the organisation.

Extensive discussions also took place on the challenges facing the air transport sector, including maintaining operational resilience amid geopolitical developments, ensuring fuel supply adequacy, and preparations for the 7th ICAO World Air Transport Conference. The meeting reaffirmed the importance of close cooperation among ECAC Member States in promoting high standards of safety, training, and the sustainable development of European civil aviation.