MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
8 November 2001
pursuant to Rule 37(2) of the Rules of Procedure
by Brian Simpson
on behalf of the PSE Group
on air transport, the aviation industry and tourism
See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B5-0687/2001
B5‑0702/2001
European Parliament resolution on air transport, the aviation industry and tourism
The European Parliament,
A. recognising that, even before 11 September 2001, several companies had severe structural problems due either to economic recession on the world market or to incorrect internal company decisions,
B. recognising that worldwide passenger traffic volume has decreased due to the terrorist attacks in September, especially on transatlantic services, and recognising also that several airlines have had to cancel flights in order to counteract the rapid decrease in passenger numbers,
C. concerned about the fact that most airlines in the US get massive support in respect of their international routes, which is distorting competition to the detriment of European airlines,
D. concerned that airlines will cancel or postpone their orders for new aircraft, thus putting at risk jobs in Europe's aerospace industry,
E. concerned about the dramatic decline in tourist traffic, especially from the US and the Far East to Europe, with far-reaching consequences for the whole tourist industry,
1. Is of the opinion that airlines have to be fully compensated for the blocking-off of US airspace during the four days after the terrorist attacks;
2. Urges the Member States to consider all necessary measures available to help the aviation industry find a solution regarding withdrawn insurance cover, as the industry itself cannot be blamed for the risk of war and terrorism;
3. Urges the Commission to work on proposals which would make it possible for the European aviation industry to withstand the massive help given by the US government to US airlines and would ensure that the European aviation industry receives equal treatment, as far as possible, in accordance with EU law;
4. Urges the Commission to consolidate the airline sector in Europe, using the common competition rules on a case-by-case basis, so that a new structure can be built up for European airlines;
5. Urges the Commission to investigate, on the basis of competition rules, what measures it can take to consolidate the airline sector within the EU, recognising that it will not be in consumers' interests to have only three or four large airlines in the EU;
6. Supports the social partners' efforts to avoid more job losses and welcomes their willingness to work together in trying to stabilise the industry at this time; also supports the European social partners' proposal for creating an ad hoc social group to identify and promote measures to alleviate the social consequences of the current crisis; such measures could address in particular: facilitation of retention of professional competences and qualifications for certain categories of staff; mobility of staff across national boundaries and between employers; opportunities for retraining; voluntary part-time and early retirement schemes; use of existing EU social funds;
7. Urges the Commission and the Member States to work on corresponding proposals to restore public confidence in both the security and the safety of the aviation sector;
8. Urges the EU to support public campaigns, especially in the USA and Asia, to support the tourist industry;
9. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the governments of the Member States and the governments of the applicant countries.