World leaders will gather tomorrow at the annual EU-US Summit in Washington to discuss issues including the controversial Transatlantic Aviation Agreement, which may bring an end to the Shannon stopover.
The so-called "open skies" deal between the US and Europe would enable airlines to open up many new routes, but would end the arrangement whereby half of all US flights into Ireland have to stop at Shannon airport.
The summit is expected to lead to the opening of negotiations on the Transatlantic Aviation Agreement. Other co-operation issues will be signed and delivered without controversy.
Negotiations on "open skies" mark what the EU says is "a historic development in the Community's aviation policy".
For the first time, representatives of the two largest aviation markets in the world will discuss opening up their markets and investment rules directly.
Unions and some business leaders have opposed the ending of the Shannon stopover, which they believe would damage the local economy and bring an end to foreign direct investment from US companies in the area.
The Government withdrew its objection to the open skies plan earlier this month.However, the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, said the Government would not let the stopover end without making sure a high level of aviation business was put in place for the airport.
The President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, together with the President-in-office of the European Council, Greek Prime Minister Constantine Simitis, will meet US President George W. Bush for the summit. The presidents will also be accompanied by senior politicians.
The implementation of the so-called road map for peace in the Middle East is also on the agenda.
EU leaders also expect "concrete results" on the signing of agreements on extradition and the fight against crime.