Date: 2025-05-28Category: Not ApplicableState: Union GovernmentCountry: Europe
Commission Decision (EU) 2025/1050 of 19 May 2025 on the consistency of the performance targets included in the draft performance plan submitted by Hungary pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 549/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council with the Union-wide performance targets for the fourth reference period of the Single European Sky performance and charging scheme (notified under document C(2025) 2919)
Issued by European Commission
· Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport
## Policy Analysis Report: Commission Decision EU 2025/1050 Regarding Hungarian Performance Targets for the Single European Sky
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes Commission Decision EU 2025/1050, a policy concerning the performance targets included in Hungary's draft performance plan for the fourth reference period (RP4: 2025-2029) of the Single European Sky (SES) performance and charging scheme. The core purpose of this decision is to assess the consistency of Hungary's proposed local performance targets with the Union-wide performance targets. The key finding is that the Commission has determined that, with a caveat regarding terminal capacity targets, Hungary's proposed performance targets in the key performance areas of safety, environment, capacity, and cost-efficiency are consistent with the Union-wide targets for RP4.
**2. Introduction:**
This report aims to provide an informative analysis of Commission Decision EU 2025/1050 based solely on the provided text. The report focuses on understanding the decision's objectives, key provisions, and potential impact on stakeholders within the affected industry.
**3. Policy Overview:**
* This is a *New Policy* decision.
* **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the core objective is to determine whether the performance targets included in the draft performance plan submitted by Hungary for the fourth reference period (2025-2029) of the Single European Sky performance and charging scheme are consistent with the Union-wide performance targets established for that period.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
As a new policy decision focusing on Hungary's performance plan, the underlying issue this decision addresses is the need to ensure Member States' (specifically Hungary in this case) local performance targets for air navigation services and network functions align with the broader, Union-wide objectives for the Single European Sky initiative during the fourth reference period (2025-2029). This alignment is crucial for achieving a harmonized, efficient, and safe European air traffic management system. The decision is made in accordance with multiple regulations governing the Single European Sky.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
This is a new policy, so we will detail the main components, rules, and actions mandated by the entire provided text.
The core provision of Commission Decision EU 2025/1050 is the assessment of Hungary's draft performance plan for RP4 in relation to Union-wide performance targets. The decision mandates the following:
* **Assessment Framework:** The Commission assesses the performance targets in four key performance areas: Safety, Environment, Capacity, and Cost-Efficiency. The assessment is based on criteria laid down in Annex IV to Implementing Regulation EU 2019/317 and takes into account local circumstances where relevant.
* **Safety Targets:** The Commission found Hungary's proposed safety targets for HungaroControl (the air navigation service provider) to be consistent with the Union-wide safety targets. This assessment considered the effectiveness of safety management, broken down per safety management objective.
* **Environment Targets:** Hungary's environment targets, specifically the average horizontal en route flight efficiency of the actual trajectory, are found to be consistent with the national reference values from the European Route Network Improvement Plan (ERNIP). Hungary is encouraged to commit to all operational measures in ERNIP to achieve its targets.
* **Capacity Targets:** The Commission acknowledges that Hungary's en route capacity targets (minutes of ATFM delay per flight) are initially significantly higher than reference values, but deems this justified due to exceptional circumstances resulting from the war in Ukraine, specifically the increase in overflight traffic.
* **Cost-Efficiency Targets:** The Commission assesses Hungary's determined unit cost (DUC) for en route air navigation services and finds its consistency with Union-wide targets. While Hungary's DUC trend underperforms the Union-wide trend, the Commission accepts Hungary's justification that this is due to capacity-increasing measures necessitated by the changes in air traffic.
* **Terminal Air Navigation Services:** The Commission raises concerns about the proposed terminal capacity targets, noting a significant deterioration compared to the previous reference period. Hungary is instructed to further justify these targets or revise them downwards during the adoption of its final performance plan.
* **Decision:** The Commission concludes that the performance targets in Hungary's draft performance plan are consistent with Union-wide performance targets, contingent on further justification or revision of terminal capacity targets.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
The primary target audience and directly affected stakeholders are:
* **HungaroControl:** The Hungarian air navigation service provider, whose performance targets are being assessed.
* **Hungarian Government:** The government responsible for submitting and implementing the performance plan.
* **Airspace Users operating within Hungarian Airspace:** Airlines and other aircraft operators that will be impacted by any changes to the provision of air navigation services as a result of the targets.
* **European Commission:** The body responsible for monitoring and enforcing the Single European Sky regulations.
* **The Performance Review Body (PRB):** The body assisting the Commission in the implementation of the performance scheme.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The primary responsible body is HungaroControl, which will be implementing the measures to achieve the performance targets. The Hungarian government is responsible for the overall performance plan and its alignment with EU regulations. The European Commission, assisted by the PRB, oversees and assesses the implementation.
* **Timelines/Procedures:** The decision relates to the fourth reference period (2025-2029). The text specifies a deadline for Hungary to provide further justification or revise its terminal capacity targets during the adoption of its final performance plan in accordance with Article 16, point a of Implementing Regulation EU 2019/317.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
The likely intended outcomes of this decision and the Hungarian performance plan are:
* **Safety:** Maintenance of a high level of safety within Hungarian airspace, aligned with Union-wide safety standards.
* **Environment:** Improved en route flight efficiency, reducing the environmental impact of aviation.
* **Capacity:** Effective management of air traffic flow, minimizing delays, even under the increased traffic conditions caused by the war in Ukraine.
* **Cost-Efficiency:** Efficient provision of air navigation services, controlling costs for airspace users.
* **Overall:** Contribution to a more harmonized, efficient, and sustainable European air traffic management system. The requested justification or downward revision of terminal capacity targets aims to prevent a potential deterioration in performance in that area.
**9. Conclusion:**
Commission Decision EU 2025/1050 represents a critical step in ensuring that Hungary's air navigation service performance aligns with the broader objectives of the Single European Sky initiative for the fourth reference period. The decision's emphasis on safety, environmental sustainability, capacity management, and cost-efficiency highlights the key priorities of the SES. The decision to require further justification of terminal capacity targets indicates the Commission's commitment to scrutinizing performance plans and ensuring ambitious targets are met across all areas of air navigation service provision. This decision is significant for airspace users operating in Hungarian airspace and will likely influence investment and operational decisions of HungaroControl in the coming years.
Key Entities Referenced
European Union: Political and economic union of European countries.
L series 20251050: Reference to a specific series within the Official Journal of the European Union.
COMMISSION DECISIONEU 20251050: Official identifier for the Commission Decision being analyzed.
19 May 2025: Date of the Commission Decision.
Hungary: Member State of the European Union, the subject of the decision regarding its performance plan.
Regulation EC No 5492004: Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the framework for the creation of the single European sky.
European Parliament: One of the legislative branches of the European Union.
Council: Refers to the Council of the European Union, a legislative body.
Unionwide performance targets: Performance goals set at the European Union level.
Single European Sky: Initiative to reform air traffic management in Europe.
C2025 2919: Document number associated with the notification of the decision.
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION: Executive branch of the European Union, responsible for the decision.
Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union: One of the primary treaties of the European Union.
10 March 2004: Date of Regulation EC No 5492004.
Article 113 point c: Specific article and point within Regulation EC No 5492004, providing the legal basis for the decision.
Regulation EU 20242803: Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the implementation of the Single European Sky.
23 October 2024: Date of Regulation EU 20242803.
Article 583: Article number within Regulation EU 20242803.
Commission Implementing Regulation EU 2019317: Regulation laying down a performance and charging scheme in the single European sky.
11 February 2019: Date of Commission Implementing Regulation EU 2019317.
Implementing Regulations EU No 3902013: Regulation related to the single european sky that is being repealed.
EU No 3912013: Regulation related to the single european sky that is being repealed.
Article 142: Article number within Commission Implementing Regulation EU 2019317.
Member States: Refers to the countries that are part of the European Union.
functional airspace blocks FABs: Airspace blocks organized to improve air traffic management.
fourth reference period RP4, 20252029: Timeframe for the performance and charging scheme.
Commission Implementing Decision EU 202416884: Commission Implementing Decision setting Unionwide performance targets.
1 October 2024: Date by which Member States were to submit draft performance plans.
15 November 2024: Date by which Member States were to submit updated draft performance plans.
Performance Review Body PRB: Body assisting the Commission in the implementation of the performance scheme.
Article 141: Article of Implementing Regulation EU 2019317 related to the assessment of local performance targets.
Annex IV: Annex to Implementing Regulation EU 2019317, containing criteria for assessing consistency of performance targets.
Regulation EC No 5502004: Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the provision of air navigation services in the single European sky.
Article 152: Article number within Regulation EC No 5502004.
EASA: European Aviation Safety Agency
HungaroControl: Air navigation service provider in Hungary.
European Route Network Improvement Plan ERNIP: Plan for improving the European Route Network.
Commission Implementing Regulation EU 20191236: Regulation laying down detailed rules for the implementation of air traffic management ATM network functions
2 July 2024: Date the European Route Network Improvement Plan ERNIP was drawn up.
Commission Implementing Regulation EU 2019123: Regulation laying down detailed rules for the implementation of air traffic management ATM network functions
Network Operations Plan: Plan for air traffic management.
Article 9: Article number within Commission Implementing Regulation EU 2019123
Russias war of aggression against Ukraine: Mentioned as a justification for capacity targets.
air traffic controllers ATCOs: Personnel responsible for managing air traffic.
terminal air navigation services: Air navigation services provided in the vicinity of airports.
Articles 13 and 4: Articles of Implementing Regulation EU 2019317 regarding airports and air navigation services.
third reference period RP3: Previous timeframe for the performance and charging scheme.
Article 16: Article of Implementing Regulation EU 2019317.
determined unit cost DUC: Metric for measuring cost-efficiency in air navigation services.
airspace: Portion of the atmosphere above a particular country or region, regarded as subject to its jurisdiction.
Article 218: Article of Implementing Regulation EU 2019317 related to restructuring measures.
Budapest: Capital city of Hungary. Location of the area control centre.
Apostolos TZITZIKOSTAS: Member of the European Commission signing the decision.
Brussels: The place where the decision was made.
Official Journal EN
of the European Union L series
2025/1050 28.5.2025
COMMISSION DECISION(EU) 2025/1050
of 19 May 2025
on the consistency of the performance targets included in the draft performance plan submitted by
Hungary pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 549/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council
with the Union-wide performance targets for the fourth reference period of the Single European Sky
performance and charging scheme
(notified under document C(2025) 2919)
(Only the Hungarian text is authentic)
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 549/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 March 2004 laying
down the framework for the creation of the single European sky (the framework Regulation)(1), and in particular
Article 11(3) point (c) thereof,
Having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/2803 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2024 on the
implementation of the Single European Sky(2), and in particular Article 58(3) thereof,
Having regard to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/317 of 11 February 2019 laying down a performance
and charging scheme in the single European sky and repealing Implementing Regulations (EU) No 390/2013 and (EU)
No 391/2013(3), and in particular Article 14(2) thereof,
Whereas:
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
(1) Pursuant to Article 11 of Regulation (EC) No 549/2004, Member States are to draw up plans, either at national level
or at the level of functional airspace blocks (‘FABs’), including performance targets, for each reference period of the
performance and charging scheme for air navigation services and network functions. Those plans are to include local
performance targets which are consistent with the Union-wide performance targets for the reference period
concerned.
(2) The Union-wide performance targets for the fourth reference period (‘RP4’, 2025-2029) were set out in Commission
Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1688(4).
(3) All Member States have drawn up and adopted draft performance plans for RP4, which were submitted to the
Commission for assessment by 1 October 2024. Following the verification of completeness of those draft
performance plans, the Commission requested Member States to submit updated draft performance plans by
15 November 2024.
(4) The Commission’s assessment presented in this Decision is based on the updated draft performance plan for RP4
submitted by Hungary (‘the draft performance plan’).
(5) The Performance Review Body (‘PRB’), assisting the Commission in the implementation of the performance scheme,
has submitted to the Commission a report containing its advice on the assessment of the draft performance plans.
(1) OJ L 96, 31.3.2004, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2004/549/oj.
(2) OJ L, 2024/2803, 11.11.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/2803/oj.
(3) OJ L 56, 25.2.2019, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2019/317/oj.
(4) Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1688 of 12 June 2024 setting Union-wide performance targets for the air traffic
management network for the fourth reference period from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2029 (OJ L, 2024/1688, 17.6.2024,
ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2024/1688/oj).
ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/1050/oj 1/8EN
OJ L, 28.5.2025
(6) In accordance with Article 14(1) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/317, the Commission has assessed the
consistency of the local performance targets included in the draft performance plan on the basis of the criteria laid
down in point 1 of Annex IV to that Implementing Regulation, and taking account of local circumstances where
relevant.
(7) The Commission has complemented its assessment of the draft performance plan with a review of the elements set
out in point 2 of Annex IV to that Implementing Regulation. In respect of point 2.1(d)(vii) of Annex IV to
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/317, the Commission notes that it has not conducted, as part of that review, a
detailed analysis of the methodology used by Hungary for the allocation of costs between en route and terminal
services in RP4. Therefore, the Commission has not drawn any conclusions, at this stage, in respect of the
compliance of that cost allocation methodology with points (e) and (f) of Article 15(2) Regulation (EC)
No 550/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council(5) and Article 22(5) of Implementing Regulation
(EU) 2019/317.
COMMISSION ASSESSMENT
Assessment of the safety targets
(8) As regards the key performance area of safety, the consistency of the targets included in the draft performance plan
has been assessed in accordance with point 1.1 of Annex IV to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/317.
(9) The performance targets in the key performance area of safety proposed by Hungary in respect of the effectiveness of
safety management, broken down per safety management objective and expressed as a level of implementation, are as
follows:
Targets on the effectiveness of safety management, expressed as a level of implementation,
Hungary
ranging from EASA level A to D
Air navigation Safety management
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
service provider objective
Safety policy and
C C C C C
objectives
Safety risk
C C C D D
management
HungaroControl
Safety assurance C C C C C
Safety promotion C C C C C
Safety culture C C C C C
(10) The Commission has found that the safety performance targets proposed by Hungary for the air navigation service
provider ‘HungaroControl’ are equal to the Union-wide safety targets from 2028 for the ‘safety risk management’
objective, while for the remaining four ‘safety management objectives’ the performance targets are equal to the
Union-wide safety targets in respect of calendar years 2025 to 2029.
(11) The Commission notes that the draft performance plan sets out measures for HungaroControl for the achievement of
the local safety targets, which relate to the implementation of its safety management system and to cybersecurity.
(5) Regulation (EC) No 550/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 March 2004 on the provision of air navigation
services in the single European sky (the service provision Regulation) (OJ L 96, 31.3.2004, p. 10, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/
2004/550/oj).
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(12) On the basis of the findings set out in recitals (9), (10) and (11), and considering that the Union-wide safety
performance targets set in Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1688 are to be achieved by the final year of RP4, that
is, 2029, the local safety performance targets included in the draft performance plan should be considered consistent
with the Union-wide performance targets.
Assessment of the environment targets
(13) As regards the key performance area of environment, the consistency of the targets included in the draft performance
plan regarding the average horizontal en routeflight efficiency of the actual trajectory has been assessed based on the
criterion laid down in point 1.2 of Annex IV to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/317. Accordingly, the
environment targets of Hungary have been compared to the relevant en route horizontal flight efficiency reference
values set out in the European Route Network Improvement Plan (‘ERNIP’), drawn up in accordance with Annex I to
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/123(6) and available at the time of adopting the Union-wide
performance targets for RP4, that is on 2 July 2024.
(14) The environment performance targets proposed by Hungary for RP4 and the corresponding national reference values
from the ERNIP, expressed as the average horizontal en routeflight efficiency of the actual trajectory, are as follows:
Hungary 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Targets in the key
performance area of
environment, expressed
2,10 % 2,09 % 2,08 % 2,07 % 2,06 %
as the average horizontal en
routeflight efficiency of the
actual trajectory
Reference values 2,10 % 2,09 % 2,08 % 2,07 % 2,06 %
(15) The Commission observes that the environment targets proposed by Hungary are equal to the corresponding
national reference values for each calendar year of RP4.
(16) The Commission notes that Hungary has presented in the draft performance plan measures for the achievement of
the local environment targets, which include the implementation and further expansion of cross-border free route
airspace by the end of RP4. Having regard to the findings of the PRB, the Commission considers that Hungary
should commit to the implementation of all the operational measures set out in the ERNIP of 2 July 2024 in order to
support the achievement of its environment performance targets for RP4.
(17) On the basis of the findings set out in recitals (14), (15) and (16), the targets in the key performance area of
environment included in the draft performance plan should be considered consistent with the Union-wide
performance targets for RP4.
(6) Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/123 of 24 January 2019 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of air
traffic management (ATM) network functions and repealing Commission Regulation (EU) No 677/2011 (OJ L 28, 31.1.2019, p. 1,
ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2019/123/oj).
ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/1050/oj 3/8EN
OJ L, 28.5.2025
Assessment of the capacity targets
(18) As regards the key performance area of capacity, the consistency of the targets included in the draft performance plan
regarding the average en routeair traffic flow management (‘ATFM’) delay per flight has been assessed based on the
criterion laid down in point 1.3 of Annex IV to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/317. Accordingly, the proposed
en route capacity targets of Hungary have been compared to the relevant reference values set out in the Network
Operations Plan drawn up in accordance with Article 9 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/123
and available at the time of adopting the Union-wide performance targets for RP4, that is on 2 July 2024.
(19) The en routecapacity targets proposed by Hungary for RP4, expressed in minutes of ATFM delay per flight, and the
corresponding reference values from the Network Operations Plan, are as follows:
Hungary 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Targets in the key
performance area of
capacity, expressed in 0,85 0,55 0,20 0,20 0,14
minutes of en routeATFM
delay per flight
Reference values 0,29 0,21 0,18 0,14 0,14
(20) The Commission observes that the en route capacity targets proposed by Hungary are significantly higher than the
corresponding national reference values for each year of RP4, except in 2029, where they are equal.
(21) Hungary justifies the observed difference of its capacity targets with the reference values referred to in recital (20) by
invoking the significant increase in overflight traffic recorded as a consequence of Russia’s war of aggression against
Ukraine. Hungary has provided detailed information, in its draft performance plan, demonstrating the resulting
changes in air traffic volumes, density, and complexity. It is therefore necessary to take those circumstances into
account when assessing the proposed capacity performance targets of Hungary for RP4 in respect of their
consistency with the Union-wide capacity performance targets.
(22) Having regard to the detailed analysis made by the PRB, the Commission concludes that the gap between the national
targets and the reference values is duly justified by the exceptional circumstances resulting from the war in Ukraine
and referred to in recital (21). The Commission further notes that Hungary has put in place a range of measures for
the achievements of its capacity targets, including a significant increase of the number of air traffic controllers
(‘ATCOs’) in operations at the area control centre, improvements of the air traffic management system, and extended
sector opening hours.
(23) On the basis of the findings set out in recitals (19) to (22), the targets in the key performance area of capacity included
in the draft performance plan of Hungary should be considered consistent with the Union-wide performance targets
for RP4.
Review of the capacity targets for terminal air navigation services
(24) In accordance with point 2.1(b) of Annex IV to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/317, the Commission has
complemented its assessment of the draft performance plan by reviewing the capacity performance targets for the
terminal air navigation services set in respect of the airports referred to in Articles 1(3) and (4) of that Implementing
Regulation. It was found that those targets give rise to concerns.
(25) The Commission notes that the proposed terminal capacity targets for RP4 lead to a significant deterioration of the
average arrival ATFM delay per year compared to the third reference period (‘RP3’). Indeed, the proposed RP4 targets
are set at 0,10 minute per flight, whereas the actual performance recorded in 2024 was 0,00 minute per flight.
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(26) Therefore, the Commission considers that, in connection with the adoption of its final performance plan in
accordance with Article 16, point (a) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/317, Hungary should further justify
the terminal capacity targets for RP4 in light of the observations set out in recital (25), or should revise downwards
those targets.
Assessment of the cost-efficiency targets
(27) As regards the key performance area of cost-efficiency, the consistency of the targets included in the draft
performance plan regarding the determined unit cost (‘DUC’) for en route air navigation services has been assessed
based on the criteria laid down in points 1.4(a), (b) and (c) of Annex IV to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/317.
Those criteria consist of the DUC trend over RP4, the long-term DUC trend over RP3 and RP4 (2020-2029), and the
baseline value for the DUC at charging zone level compared with the average value of the charging zones where air
navigation service providers have a similar operational and economic environment.
(28) The en routecost-efficiency targets proposed by Hungary for RP4, and the related baseline values, are as follows:
2019 2024
En routecharging zone of the
baseline baseline 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Hungary
value value
Targets and baseline values in HUF HUF HUF HUF HUF HUF HUF
the key performance area of 12 585 11 373 12 029 11 984 12 078 12 002 12 651
cost-efficiency,expressed as
determined unit cost (in real
terms at 2022 prices) EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR
32,24 29,13 30,81 30,70 30,94 30,74 32,41
(29) Concerning the assessment criterion set out in point 1.4(a) of Annex IV to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/317,
the Commission observes that Hungary’s DUC trend at charging zone level of +2,2 % over RP4 underperforms the
Union-wide trend of - 1,2 % over the same period.
(30) Concerning the assessment criterion set out in point 1.4(b) of Annex IV to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/317,
the Commission observes that Hungary’s long-term DUC trend at charging zone level over RP3 and RP4 of +0,1 %
underperforms the long-term Union-wide trend of - 1,0 % over the same period.
(31) Concerning the assessment criterion set out in point 1.4(c) of Annex IV to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/317,
the Commission observes that Hungary’s baseline value for the DUC of EUR 29,13 in real terms at 2022 prices
(‘EUR2022’) is 28,1 % lower than the average baseline value of EUR 40,51 in EUR2022 of the relevant comparator
group set out in Article 7 Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1688.
(32) The Commission has further examined whether the deviations observed in recitals (29) and (30) could be deemed
necessary and proportionate under point 1.4(d) of Annex IV to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/317, provided
that the observed deviations from the Union-wide DUC trend over RP4 and from the long-term Union-wide DUC
trend are exclusively due to additional determined costs related to measures necessary to achieve the performance
targets in the key performance area of capacity or to restructuring measures within the meaning of Article 2(18) of
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/317.
ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/1050/oj 5/8EN
OJ L, 28.5.2025
(33) In respect of the criterion specified under point 1.4(d)(i) of Annex IV to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/317, the
Commission notes that Hungary refers in the draft performance plan to the additional determined costs incurred over
RP4 by the air navigation service provider Hungarocontrol in relation to measures needed for the achievement of the
local capacity targets (‘capacity measures’). The presented capacity measures comprise the following main elements:
— The training and employment of additional ATCOs in operations in order to handle the expected traffic
increase during RP4. This is planned to result over RP4 into an overall increase of over 30 % of the number of
ATCOs in operations at the area control centre of Budapest.
— The upgrade of the air traffic management (‘ATM’) system.
— Other investments in infrastructure, equipment, and radars.
(34) The PRB has analysed in detail the capacity measures invoked by Hungary. Based on its analysis, the PRB considered
that the capacity measures related to the increase of the number of ATCOs in operations and the upgrade of the
ATM system are necessary and proportionate for the achievement of Hungary’s capacity targets. Those capacity
measures were found by the PRB to result in a structural increase of the available capacity in Hungary’s airspace for
RP4. Furthermore, the PRB concluded that the additional costs of those capacity measures are larger than the
deviation from the long-term Union-wide DUC trend referred to in recital (30).
(35) In light of the considerations in recitals (33) and (34), the Commission therefore finds that the criterion set out in
point 1.4(d)(i) is fulfilled in respect of Hungary with regard to the deviation from the long-term Union-wide DUC
trend referred to in recital (30).
(36) Hungary has not presented in the draft performance plan any restructuring measures pursuant to the criterion set out
in point 1.4(d)(ii) of Annex IV to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/317 which would justify the remaining
deviation from the Union-wide DUC trend observed in recital (29).
(37) The Commission notes, however, that Hungary has demonstrated a good level of cost-efficiency in relative terms,
given that the baseline value for 2024 is significantly below the average of the relevant comparator group, as
outlined in recital (31). The Commission further observes that Hungary’s DUC remains stable over time, when
comparing the baseline value for 2019 with the planned DUC for 2029. Furthermore, Hungary’s deviation from the
long-term Union-wide DUC trend was found to be justified by the additional costs induced by capacity measures, as
concluded in recital (35). Therefore, the Commission considers, on balance, that the remaining deviation from the
Union-wide DUC trend observed in recital (29) does not preclude Hungary’s cost-efficiency performance targets
from being consistent with the Union-wide cost-efficiency performance targets.
(38) On the basis of the findings set out in recitals (28) to (37), the targets in the key performance area of cost-efficiency
included in the draft performance plan should be considered consistent with the Union-wide performance targets
for RP4.
Review of the cost-efficiency targets for terminal air navigation services
(39) In accordance with point 2.1(c) of Annex IV to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/317, the Commission has
complemented its assessment of the draft performance plan by reviewing the cost-efficiency performance targets for
terminal air navigation services set in respect of the airports referred to in Articles 1(3) and (4) of that Implementing
Regulation. It was found that those targets do not give rise to concerns.
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CONCLUSIONS
(40) In the light of the foregoing, the performance targets included in the draft performance plan of Hungary should be
considered consistent with the Union-wide performance targets for RP4,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
The performance targets included in the draft performance plan submitted by Hungary for the fourth reference period
(‘RP4’), listed in the Annex to this Decision, are consistent with the Union-wide performance targets for RP4 set out in
Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1688.
Article 2
This Decision is addressed to Hungary.
Done at Brussels, 19 May 2025,
For the Commission
Apostolos TZITZIKOSTAS
Member of the Commission
ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/1050/oj 7/8EN
OJ L, 28.5.2025
ANNEX
Performance targets included in the draft performance plan of Hungary, found to be consistent with the Union-
wide performance targets for the fourth reference period
KEY PERFORMANCE AREA OF SAFETY
Targets on the effectiveness of safety management, expressed as a level of implementation,
Hungary
ranging from European Aviation Safety Agency (‘EASA’) level A to D
Air navigation service
Safety management objective 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
provider
Safety policy and objectives C C C C C
Safety risk management C C C D D
HungaroControl Safety assurance C C C C C
Safety promotion C C C C C
Safety culture C C C C C
KEY PERFORMANCE AREA OF ENVIRONMENT
Hungary 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Targets in the key
performance area of
environment,expressed as the
2,10 % 2,09 % 2,08 % 2,07 % 2,06 %
average horizontal en route
flight efficiency of the actual
trajectory
KEY PERFORMANCE AREA OF CAPACITY
Hungary 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Targets in the key
performance area of
capacity, expressed in minutes 0,85 0,55 0,20 0,20 0,14
of en routeATFM delay per
flight
KEY PERFORMANCE AREA OF COST-EFFICIENCY
2019 2024
En routecharging zone of
baseline baseline 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Hungary
value value
Targets and baseline values in HUF HUF HUF HUF HUF HUF HUF
the key performance area of 12 585 11 373 12 029 11 984 12 078 12 002 12 651
cost-efficiency,expressed as
determined unit cost (in real EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR
terms at 2022 prices) 32,24 29,13 30,81 30,70 30,94 30,74 32,41
8/8 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/1050/oj