24. 8. 92 Official Journal of the European Communities No L 240/1 I (Acts whose publication is obligatory) COUNCIL REGULATION (EEC) No 2407/92 of 23 July 1992 on licensing of air carriers - THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 84 (2) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1), . Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (2), i Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3), Whereas it is important to establish an air transport policy for the internal market over a period expiring on 31 December 1992 as provided for in Article 8a of the Treaty; Whereas the internal market shall comprise an area without internal frontiers in which the free movement of goods, persons, services and capital is ensured; Whereas the application in the air transport sector of the principle of the freedom to provide services needs to take into account the specific characteristics of that sector; Whereas in Council Regulation (EEC) No 2343/90 of 24 July 1990 on access for air carriers to scheduled intra-Community air service routes and on the sharing of passenger capacity between air carriers on scheduled air services between Member States (4) the Council decided to adopt for implementation not later than 1 July 1992 common rules governing the licensing of air carriers; (1) OJ No C 258, 4. 10. 1991, p. 2. (2) O] No C 125, 18. 5. 1992, p. 140. (3) OJ No C 169, 6. 7. 1992, p. 1. (#1)OJ No L 217, 11. 8. 1990, p. 8. Whereas, however, it is necessary to allow Member States a reasonable period, until 1 January 1993, for the application of this Regulation; Whereas it is important to define non-descriminatory requirements in relation to the location and control of an undertaking applying for a licence; Whereas in order to ensure dependable and adequate service it is necessary to ensure that an air carrier is at all times operating at sound economic and high safety levels; Whereas for the protection of users and other parties concerned it is important to ensure that air carriers are sufficiently insured in respect of liability risks; Whereas within the internal market air carriers should be able to use aircraft owned anywhere in the Community, without prejudice to the responsibilities of the licensing Member State with respect to the technical fitness of the carrier; Whereas it should also be possible to lease aircraft registered outside the Community for a short term or in exceptional circumstances, providing safety standards are equivalent to those applicable within the Community; Whereas procedures for the granting of licences to air carriers should be transparent and non-discriminatory, HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: Article 1 1. This Regulation concerns requirements for the granting - and maintenance of operating licences by Member States in relation to air carriers established in the Community.