I think Levente proves the point rather well, when the government realise the importance of aviation to them, things seem to get magically better, also see the US. "Europe destroying aviation" gives the impression this is all 'our' problem, of an industry slowly sliding away by its own vices. Its not, it's f'cking politicians, the JAA is a great idea, but wont work, never will regardless of all the struggle, far to many opposing forces with a totally inadequate structure to cope. Why bother? Because more politicians want votes and power, not because they want aviation to grow.
I know it’s going to open a whole can of worms, but look at the states, (yes its how Europe wants to be, all one big nations with lots of little states). But a decision is made on what is happening, and is assessed, them implemented. In Europe, a problem is suggested that doesn’t exist, it is then debated into the ground with little expert input. A "solution" is finally made that is not the best to anyone, but a mishmash of different interests, it is then imposed without regard for the impact. The phrase ‘continual regulation in search of a problem’ becomes more of a work ethic by the day. A continual smoke screen for environmental issues, only gives licence to screw people out of a decent existence. Yes we should be environmentally aware, but fanciful targets effecting the least able to defend and most visible of industries is again spin, not actually beneficial rulings
I think a straw poll of everyone in the aviation industry on whether we should have the old National systems or the new JAA would have rather unsurprising results.