Activists push for the withdrawal of EU plan perceived hostile to airline passengers
A new citizens' initiative, titled "Save your right, save your flight," has been launched in the European Union to challenge a draft law that campaigners claim would weaken air passenger rights. The initiative aims to reverse a proposal that would raise delay thresholds and cut compensation for air travellers across Europe.
The European Consumer Association (BEUC) warns that the higher thresholds would block most EU passengers from claiming compensation, as most delays fall between two and four hours. If the proposal is approved, the compensation for delays of at least three hours, which currently ranges from €250 to €600, may change.
The European Parliament has until early October to present its counter-position in response to the Council. The Council adopted its position on the file in June, skipping its usual informal talks with MEPs. MEPs across the political spectrum have voiced strong opposition to the proposal.
Professor Alberto Alemanno, founder of The Good Lobby, is one of the petition's organizers. He believes EU passengers should have the opportunity to speak out against the proposal. MEP Andrey Novakov (Bulgaria/EPP), leading negotiator on the file, stated that we cannot allow member states to undermine the rights of air passengers. Novakov concluded that weakening these rights would betray the trust that citizens have placed in the EU to defend their interests.
The initiative organizers and supporters argue that the recent changes impose higher delay thresholds and weaken compensation rights, thus reducing passenger protections and financial redress. On the other hand, those supporting the proposed changes may argue that adjusting delay thresholds or compensation levels is necessary to reflect operational realities or reduce undue burdens on airlines. However, explicit arguments from opponents to the initiative are not directly detailed in the provided search results.
While such an initiative doesn't force the Commission to draft new laws, it does require a formal response within six months. The debate centers on balancing passenger rights and airline operational or economic concerns, with the initiative firmly opposing any weakening of current protections. The plan needs approval from both the European Commission and the European Parliament.
[1] European Commission, "Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 February 2004 establishing common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights"
[2] European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), "Air Passenger Rights"
[3] The Good Lobby, "Save your right, save your flight"
[4] European Parliament, "Air Passenger Rights"
[5] A4E, "Airlines for Europe"
- The new citizens' initiative, "Save your right, save your flight," addressing travel and lifestyle, is challenging a draft policy-and-legislation that could weaken air passenger rights in the European Union.
- As the debate between passenger rights and airline operational or economic concerns unfolds (general-news), Professor Alberto Alemanno, a politics figure, advocates for EU passengers to have the opportunity to speak out against the proposed changes that may impose higher delay thresholds and weaken compensation rights, thereby reducing passenger protections and financial redress.
