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New measures to streamline and simplify the EU framework for aviation security, first put in place in 2002 after the September 11 attacks, came into force today. The revision is about better regulation – simplifying and improving procedures to make it easier for industry on a daily basis to implement safety controls, without any reduction in security. For passengers, the package opens the door for the EU to negotiate "one-stop shop" security agreements with third countries – allowing for the possibility to reduce re-screening for transfer passengers. Most importantly, it sets a clear deadline for the lifting of the current restrictions on the carriage of liquids in cabin baggage – new screening equipment for liquids must be used in all airports across Europe by April 2013. Overall, the package aims to improve the passenger experience, shorten transfer times at airports and reduce costs.
European Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas,
responsible for transport, presented to the College a preliminary assessment of the economic consequences for the air transport industry of the volcanic ash crisis. In addition the Vice President presented a range of possible short-term actions and structural measures to help the air transport industry overcome this unprecedented period. Faced with this crisis, the first priority of the Commission was to intervene to facilitate the opening of airspace under strict safety conditions so that millions of stranded passengers could get home and to ensure that EU passenger rights are fully respected. Now that the situation is normalising, the focus is on a package of short-term and structural measures for the air transport industry, which are proposed in association with Vice-President Almunia (competition and state aid) and Commissioner Rehn (economic and monetary affairs).
The EU e-Maritime initiative is aimed at fostering the use of advanced information technologies for working and doing business in the maritime transport sector.
However, the ultimate goal of the EU e-Maritime initiative is to make maritime transport more efficient, safer and environmentally friendlier by improved information use, knowledge creation, facilitation of business collaborations and supports to cope with externalities. The EU e-Maritime initiative aims also to improve the life at sea by providing internet-based services for mariners, thus raising the attractiveness of the seafaring professions.
A public consultation on the EU e‑Maritime initiative is now open and will end on Sunday 27 June 2010. The aim of the consultation is to gather stakeholders' opinions on the e-Maritime initiative in order to assess the possible actions that could help meet the above-mentioned e‑Maritime objectives
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