Awaiting committee decision
Next event: Indicative plenary sitting date, 1st reading/single reading 2016/12/12
Role | Committee | Rapporteur | Shadows |
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Opinion | EMPL | CHRISTENSEN Ole (S&D) | |
Opinion | ENVI | SZANYI Tibor (S&D) | |
Opinion | IMCO | VAN BOSSUYT Anneleen (ECR) | |
Opinion | ITRE | ||
Lead | TRAN | TELIČKA Pavel (ALDE) | CLUNE Deirdre (EPP), AYALA SENDER Inés (S&D), FOSTER Jacqueline (ECR), KONEČNÁ Kateřina (GUE/NGL), ŠKRLEC Davor (Verts/ALE), PAKSAS Rolandas (EFD), ARNAUTU Marie-Christine (ENF) |
Legal Basis RoP 052
Activites
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2016/12/12
Indicative plenary sitting date, 1st reading/single reading
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2016/04/28
Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
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2015/12/07
Non-legislative basic document published
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COM(2015)0598
summary
PURPOSE: to present a new aviation strategy for Europe. BACKGROUND: aviation is a strong driver of economic growth, jobs, trade and mobility for the European Union and it plays a crucial role in the EU economy. The sector directly employs between 1.4 million and 2 million people and overall supports between 4.83 million and contributes EUR 110 billion to the EU economy. The availability of direct intercontinental flights is effectively a major determinant in the location choices of large firms’ headquarters in Europe: a 10% increase in the supply of intercontinental flights results in a 4% increase in the number of headquarters of large firms; a 10% increase of departing passengers in a metropolitan region increases local employment in the services sector by 1%. Over the last 20 years, the EU's liberalisation of the internal market for air services and the substantial growth of demand in air transport within the EU and worldwide, have resulted in the significant development of the European aviation sector. Aviation traffic in Europe is predicted to reach 14.4 million flights in 2035, 50% more than in 2012. As aviation's contribution to the overall performance of the EU economy and its global presence is so significant, it is critical that the EU aviation sector remains competitive, maintains its leadership position and is able to grow. CONTENT: the aim of this Aviation Strategy is to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of the entire EU air transport value network. The Commission has therefore identified three key priorities: (1) Tapping into growth markets: European aviation is facing new competitive challenges in a rapidly evolving global market, in particular as a result of a shift of economic growth to the East. With an annual growth forecast of 6%, scheduled passenger traffic in the Asia Pacific region is likely to grow faster than in other regions until 2034 when it will account for 40% of world air traffic. By adopting an ambitious external aviation policy through the negotiation of comprehensive aviation agreements, with a clear focus on growth markets, the EU can contribute to improving market access and investment opportunities for European aviation in important overseas markets. Furthermore, in order to support worldwide trade in aircraft and related products, the EU should also expand the range of bilateral aviation safety agreements aimed at achieving mutual recognition of safety certification standards. The Commission will also negotiate effective fair competition provisions in the context of the negotiation of EU comprehensive air transport agreements and consider measures to address unfair practices from third countries and third country operators. (2) Tackling limits to growth both in the air and on the ground: the estimated costs of the EU's fragmented airspace represent at least EUR 5 billion a year. The main challenge for the growth of European aviation is to reduce the capacity and efficiency constraints, which are seriously impeding the European aviation sector's ability to grow sustainably, compete internationally, and which are causing congestion and delays and raising costs. In 2035, according to Eurocontrol, European airports will be unable to accommodate some 2 million flights due to capacity shortages. The estimated economic cost of being unable to accommodate demand has been estimated at 434 000-818 000 jobs foregone by 2035 and an annual loss in GDP of between EUR 28 billion and 52 billion at EU level. It is for this reason that the strategy insisted on the need to: complete the Single European Sky, through the adoption of the Single European Sky (SES2+) proposals; make best use of existing capacity and plan well in advance to absorb the forecasted future needs; swiftly adopt the revised Slot Regulation in order to enable the optimal use of the busiest airports; enhance the availability of highly performing, competitive airport services, including runways, passenger terminals and ground handling and the service quality experience of passengers; improve connectivity in Europe, identify any shortcomings and the appropriate measures to be taken. (3) Maintaining high EU safety and security standards: to achieve this, the Commission aims to introduce a risk and performance based approach to safety regulation. The strategy insisted on the need to: integrate new business models and emerging technologies, such as electric engines or drones; abolish rules and procedures that add time, burden and cost but do not contribute to safety ; put in place a framework for the pooling and sharing of technical resources between the national authorities and the European Aviation Safety Agency; launch an in-depth evaluation of the existing legislation on the imposition of operating bans and on rules on aviation accident investigation; seek new ways to alleviate the burden of security checks on passengers, notably through the use of new technology and by applying a risk-based approach in full respect of fundamental rights. The Commission seeks to propose a revised Basic Regulation for common rules in the field of civil aviation safety, replacing the current Regulation (EC) No 216/2008. In this context, the EU should also act in the following areas: Reinforcing the social agenda and creating high quality jobs in aviation: (i) maintain leadership in aviation through a highly educated, qualified and experienced workforce; (ii) develop new skills and competences; (iii) better understand the new business and employment models that have emerged, such as the multiplication of operational bases, the recruitment of air crews through agencies, new atypical forms of employment or pay-to-fly schemes for flight crew; (iv) bring clarity on the applicable labour law; (v) promote an active and comprehensive social dialogue. Protecting passengers' rights: the legislative process to adopt the revision of Regulation 261/2004 on air passengers' rights in case of denied boarding, long delays and cancellations is still on going in 2015. The Commission urges European Parliament and the Council of the EU to adopt swiftly the revisions proposed. Embracing a new era through innovation and digital technologies: the deployment and optimisation of information and communications technologies are also particularly relevant for airport capacity, performance and quality of service. Moreover, as regards unleashing the full potential of drones, it is necessary for a risk-based framework to be put in place rapidly. This framework will ensure their safe use in civil airspace and create legal certainty for the industry. Contributing to a forward-looking Climate Change Policy: the EU, through its Member States acting within the framework of ICAO, pursues a robust Global Market Based Mechanism to achieve carbon neutral growth from 2020 to be reviewed over time as appropriate, and to be made operational from 2020, as well as the adoption of a first CO2 standard for aircraft. Investing in aviation research: the Commission is convinced that appropriate private and public investments into technology and innovation will secure Europe’s leading role in international aviation. The European Union has planned to invest EUR 430 million each year, until 2020, in the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) project. It has been estimated that the timely deployment of SESAR solutions can potentially result in the creation of over 300 000 new jobs.
- DG {'url': 'http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/transport/index_en.htm', 'title': 'Mobility and Transport'}, BULC Violeta
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COM(2015)0598
summary
Documents
- Non-legislative basic document published: COM(2015)0598
Amendments | Dossier |
57 |
2016/2062(INI)
2016/05/25
IMCO
57 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Welcomes the inclusion of a specific section on consumers in the Commission’s Aviation Strategy; notes that for consumers booking travel many of the applicable rights are still based on horizontal consumer protection legislation; considers, therefore, that the ‘Fitness Check’ on the consumer acquis should take that into account
Amendment 10 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 b (new) 1b. Regrets the fragmentation of European Union airspace, the cost of which is put at EUR 5 billion by the Commission and which, in particular, results in delays for passengers;
Amendment 11 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 d (new) 1d. Urges the Council to make a quick progress in the adoption process of the revised regulations on the air passenger rights1a; __________________ 1aProposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 establishing common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights and Regulation (EC) No 2027/97 on air carrier liability in respect of the carriage of passengers and their baggage by air (COM(2013)0130 – C7- 0066/2013 – 2013/0072(COD))
Amendment 12 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 c (new) 1c. Points to the importance of protecting and enforcing, both online and offline, the rights of travel-booking and travelling consumers, including persons with a disability and persons with reduced mobility, as regards accessibility and assistance;
Amendment 13 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Recalls the ‘sweep’ of travel service websites across the Union undertaken by the Commission and national enforcement bodies in 2013; notes that this ‘sweep’ uncovered significant problems with more than two-thirds of websites checked, with difficulties relating to: a failure to provide mandatory contact information; a lack of instructions on how to submit a complaint, uncertainty as to whether the complaint has been received or failure to reply; price supplements such as baggage fees and insurance, or cancellation and amended booking policies not appearing on an ‘opt-in’ basis; and total prices not being displayed up- front;
Amendment 14 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Calls therefore on the Commission to undertake further research study on the evolution of the digital travel marketplace with a view to identifying policies to ensure a level playing field for travel companies and protecting consumers by providing for transparency and neutrality when they search for, plan and book travel products and services;
Amendment 15 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Highlights the lack of transparency and insufficiency of the regulations on compensation or rights to damages where the flight chart or conditions have not been complied with;
Amendment 16 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Regrets that the public consultation undertaken in advance of the Aviation Strategy indicates that consumers still face challenges when booking air travel; calls on the Commission to report more fully on the progress made to bring travel websites into compliance with EU law, and its future plans for enforcement in this area, as regards both online and offline air ticket sales;
Amendment 17 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Regrets that the public consultation undertaken in advance of the Aviation Strategy indicates that consumers still face challenges when booking air travel or checking in online; calls on the Commission to report more fully on the progress made to bring travel websites into compliance with EU law, and its future plans for enforcement in this area;
Amendment 18 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4.
Amendment 19 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Calls on the Commission to activate an electronic one-stop shop mechanism to make it easier for passengers affected by cancellations, long delays and other disruptions to their journeys to submit complaints;
Amendment 2 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Recognises the importance of the aviation sector as an engine for growth, employment and new business opportunities for the European economy, and its crucial role in the mobility of goods, people and services in the internal market;
Amendment 20 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Takes the view that quality standards are important as a means of levelling the playing field for operators in the aviation sector and increasing transparency for the consumer;
Amendment 21 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 b (new) 4b. Calls on the Commission to step up checks on airlines in general and low- cost airlines in particular to ensure that they are complying with EU law on passenger rights and aviation safety;
Amendment 22 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Underlines the importance of ensuring that travel websites respect EU law, in particular EU law on consumer rights, as in 2015 travel and holiday accommodation bookings accounted for 52 % of all purchases made online, and consumer confidence in the sector and increased trust in the online environment are vital for the development of SMEs in the tourism industry;
Amendment 23 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Underlines the importance of ensuring that travel websites respect EU law, as in 2015 travel and holiday accommodation bookings accounted for 52 % of all purchases made online; takes the view that consumers using sites must be correctly informed and not misled, and that companies need to take the necessary steps to protect consumers and hosts with regard to safety and security;
Amendment 24 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Underlines the importance of ensuring that travel websites and applications respect EU law, as in 2015 travel and holiday accommodation bookings accounted for 52 % of all purchases made online;
Amendment 25 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Takes the view that firms providing services in the aviation sector should provide consumers with clear and comprehensive information that will not mislead consumers; takes the view that such information should be legible and written in comprehensible terms, without applying practices or contractual conditions that discriminate against consumers or create mistrust within the EU internal market, in particular in the area of online purchases;
Amendment 26 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 b (new) 5b. Stresses that particular attention should be paid to the needs of vulnerable consumers as part of the strategy, with regard not just to accessibility, but also to access to information and protection of their rights;
Amendment 27 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Reiterates its commitment to high air and airport safety and security standards, which are vital for consumer confidence and for the sector's competitiveness; points up in this connection how important it is, at a time of strong air traffic growth, that those standards should limit passenger inconvenience, in particular as regards waiting times and delays, while ensuring a high level of safety and security and compliance with fundamental rights;
Amendment 28 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Agrees that the revision of Regulation 261/2004 on air passengers' rights should be progressed swiftly in order to ensure clear, consistent and just rules for airlines and passengers; notes the Commission's intention to publish interpretative guidelines but stresses that the adoption of the revised Regulation 261/2004 is necessary to provide legal certainty for consumers and the aviation industry and address loopholes in the current legislation;
Amendment 29 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Regrets the fact that agreement has still not been reached within the Council on the Passenger Rights Regulation (revision of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004), on which Parliament submitted its report in April 2014; calls therefore on the Council to explain, within two months following publication of this report, what is making it difficult to reach agreement;
Amendment 3 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Strongly encourages the Commission in seeking to support research and innovation in the aviation sector through public-private partnerships, the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, European Structural and Investment Funds and the European Fund for Strategic Investments; stresses the need to give priority to a European investment strategy based on a concerted rather than fragmented approach;
Amendment 30 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Takes note of the Commission's recommendation to the Council to issue authorisation to negotiate 'comprehensive EU-level air transport agreements' with, amongst other countries, Gulf States; emphasises, however, that substantive negotiations should not commence before a solution has been found in respect to the massive state aid provided to the Gulf Carriers by their states;
Amendment 31 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Welcomes the notable increase in airport connectivity in the EU over the last 10 years; regrets the fact that some regions are still poorly served, however, and calls on Member States to increase connectivity still further, given that it is so vital for the competitiveness of those regions;
Amendment 32 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Sees a need for free competition and the decentralisation of state airport networks, along with majority participation by local and regional authorities together with interested civil society bodies in strategic commercial decision-making relating to airports;
Amendment 33 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Calls on the Commission to assess the fairness of practices whereby consumers are faced with significant charges for baggage fees or ticketing services where not pre-booked prior to the consumer checking-in or arriving at the departure gate;
Amendment 34 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Regrets that consumers of less- connected cities, regions and countries have a significant competitive disadvantage compared to major hubs and thus calls on the Commission to take action on improving intra-EU connectivity;
Amendment 35 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Believes that the development of the new technologies and digital solutions could bring significant benefits, for instance making the security measures more efficient and consumer friendly, without lowering the safety standards;
Amendment 36 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 b (new) 6b. Highlights the importance of a coordinated approach among Member States in areas related to the aviation sector, such as tourism, safety, consumer policy and the environment;
Amendment 37 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 b (new) 6b. Welcomes the Commission's ambition to strengthen the regulatory responsibility of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); however, underlines that safety cannot be compromised, especially from consumer perspective, and is therefore worried regarding the Commission's intention to introduce competition as a relevant factor in this regard; furthermore, notes that competition has led to degrading working conditions for aviation crew, which indirectly influences the safety of crew and passengers alike;
Amendment 38 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 b (new) 6b. Recalls that consumers must always have an accessible route to address complaints to traders and to claim refunds; believes this route should be available in a manner which does not dissuade consumers from exercising their rights and should be clearly signposted to consumers; calls on the Commission to work closely with national enforcement bodies to ensure that traders meet these requirements;
Amendment 39 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 b (new) 6b. Regrets the Aviation Strategy's limited consideration of developments in employment models in the aviation sector; stresses that the use of atypical forms of employment can undermine fair competition and efforts to ensure a level playing field for operators; calls for decent social standards to be upheld in all aviation activities to prevent anti- competitive employment practices;
Amendment 4 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Welcomes the fact that the Commission is considering the adoption of the one-stop security approach, where passengers would undergo a single security check at the airport of origin without needing to undergo fresh checks at transit airports, and welcomes the fact that it is promoting the adoption of this approach with key trading partners, without impairing security;
Amendment 40 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 c (new) 6c. Takes the view that an aviation strategy for Europe should respect the principle of territorial cohesion; takes the view that particular attention should be given to the smallest airports, especially in the outermost and less populated regions where the growth in air routes and moderate airport taxes are vital for the local economy;
Amendment 41 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 b (new) 6b. Stresses the need to ensure high standards as regards public health requirements for residents near airports (in particular noise and air quality standards) and points up the importance of making rapid progress on adopting demanding international noise standards;
Amendment 42 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 b (new) 6b. Calls on the Commission to provide the Council with guidance for its discussions on revision of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 so that the obstacles to a final agreement on the issue are overcome;
Amendment 43 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 d (new) 6d. While recognising the potential of the rapidly expanding use of the drones, having a passenger safety and security as a priority urges the Commission to put in place an adequate framework to ensure their safe use within the EU;
Amendment 44 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 b (new) 6b. Welcomes the Commission's intention to maintain high safety and security standards while alleviating the burden of checks by making use of new technologies;
Amendment 45 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 c (new) 6c. Welcomes the Commission's decision to make use of interpretative guidelines on Regulation No 261/2004 on air passenger rights in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights so as to improve application thereof; stresses the importance, at the same time, of rapidly adopting the revised regulation;
Amendment 46 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 c (new) 6c. Regrets that the Commission does not mention Passenger Rights (PR) in their Communication; calls on the Council to find a solution to the current impasse regarding the proposed directive on Passenger Rights (COM(2011)0898) and avoid that any further delays causes consumers to remain in an uncertain situation regarding their rights;
Amendment 47 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 c (new) 6c. Requests the Commission to provide more information regarding planned actions affecting price comparison websites in the area of aviation travel, which can be detrimental to consumers if presented in an unfair manner where preferential treatment is given according to commercial arrangements;
Amendment 48 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 c (new) 6c. Stresses the importance of protecting consumers against unfair terms in air carriage contracts; calls on the Commission to put forward appropriate countermeasures in a legislative proposal;
Amendment 49 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 c (new) 6c. Believes that environmental considerations are an important element of consumer choice; urges the Commission to ensure that improving the environmental performance of the EU's aviation sector is prioritised across all elements of the Aviation Strategy;
Amendment 5 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Points up the need to adopt, as soon as possible, the measures proposed in connection with revision of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 on air passenger rights in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights so that passengers are better protected and better informed about their rights;
Amendment 50 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 e (new) 6e. Highlights the need for air agents and operators to promote the 112 European emergency number on their websites and e-tickets;
Amendment 51 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 d (new) 6d. Regrets the fact that the Commission, according to its communication COM(2015) 598, proposes in future to concentrate solely on clarifying current passenger rights (Regulation (EC) No 261/2004); fears that, as a result, passenger rights will not be taken further and consumer rights will not be improved;
Amendment 52 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 d (new) 6d. Stresses that safety and security considerations must be at the core of any and all efforts to enhance the performance and efficiency of the Single European Aviation Market, to ensure the continued trust of consumers and the competitiveness of the EU's aviation sector globally;
Amendment 53 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 e (new) 6e. Notes the Commission's intention to transition towards a risk and performance based approach for common rules in the field of civil aviation safety; draws attention to the findings of the Aviation Strategy's accompanying safety performance study, which concluded that approximately only 1/3 of National Aviation Authorities are 'sufficiently well- resourced and skilled to exercise appropriate oversight'; is concerned therefore about the implications for the single market and consumer confidence of a move away from the current aviation system of comprehensive and specific safety standards, which continue to achieve high safety performance in European aviation;
Amendment 54 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 e (new) 6e. Stresses that strengthened consumer rights within air passenger transport must be the objective of any reform of aviation rules;
Amendment 55 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 f (new) 6f. Believes that systems of remedies for common rules in the field of civil aviation safety should take into account the seriousness, the duration and, where applicable, the intentional character of an infringement, as well as whether previous infringements have occurred; underlines the need for effective, proportionate and dissuasive penalties to ensure a culture of compliance and high safety and security standards across the EU aviation sector;
Amendment 56 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 f (new) 6f. Observes that it is still not possible for all consumers in the EU to use air transport because, in some geographic areas, there is still no market push to establish routes; prompts the Commission therefore to carry out studies for those areas that are based on objective need;
Amendment 57 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 g (new) 6g. Questions disapprovingly why the better legal safeguards for consumers under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 currently in force are inadequately acted on in practice;
Amendment 6 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 b (new) 1b. Recognises the importance of the aviation sector in the European aeronautics industry, a world leader in the production of civil aircraft that is responsible for more than 500 000 jobs in the EU;
Amendment 7 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 c (new) 1c. Recognizes the benefits from the liberalisation of the air transport in the EU and creation of the single market for the air passenger services;
Amendment 8 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 b (new) 1b. Regrets the continued blocking of the procedure for adopting the revision of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 on passenger rights in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights;
Amendment 9 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 b (new) 1b. Regrets that the Commission's Aviation Strategy does not take account of social issues, in particular equality of treatment between workers and the fight against social dumping;
source: 583.899
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