MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
8 November 2001
pursuant to Rule 37(2) of the Rules of Procedure
by Mr Gerard Collins
on behalf of the UEN Group
on the economic and employment situation in the air transport sector and in the industrial and related services sectors
See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B5-0687/2001
B5‑0703/2001
European Parliament resolution on the economic and employment situation in the air transport sector and in the industrial and related services sectors
The European Parliament,
A. having regard to the terrorist attacks in the United States on 11 September 2001 and the far-reaching consequences for the operation of the European and world economy,
B. having regard to the fact that some economic sectors are being hit harder than other sectors, particularly the transport and tourism industries,
C. having regard to the fact that over 180 000 jobs in the aviation sector worldwide have already been lost since 11 September and massive losses are also being incurred in the European aerospace industry,
D. recognising that falling demand for air travel has resulted in a catastrophic financial situation for many European airlines, particularly many airlines involved in transatlantic travel,
E. having regard to the increased need for the swift and smooth adoption of measures to improve the security and safety of air transport, so as to restore consumer confidence and ensure the safety of the travelling public,
F. recognising that transatlantic links are crucial in attracting tourists and in facilitating business and cargo traffic to and from Europe,
G. recognising that a Community approach is essential if a new minimum security framework is to be put in place within the European Union,
H. having regard to the conclusions of the recent European Council and the EU Transport Council meeting, which have not addressed how to adequately solve the problem of Gibraltar,
I. recognising that the swift implementation of the air safety proposals presently blocked by the dispute over Gibraltar would contribute to safer air transport and that the aviation sector is going through unprecedented financial difficulties,
J. also recognising the difficult situation of insurance companies and insurance agencies specialising in the air transport sector who are also experiencing serious problems following the attacks of 11 September,
K. recognising lastly, after taking into consideration the precedent of the Gulf War, the serious pessimistic forecasts for the tourist industry, which is nevertheless already gravely affected,
1. Finds it unacceptable in the light of the terrorist attacks in the United States that crucial Community legislation on air safety is being held up;
2. Calls on the European Council to settle the bilateral dispute between Spain and the United Kingdom over the issue of Gibraltar;
3. Calls on the European Council to block the proposals on the Community accession to Eurocontrol, denied boarding compensation, ground handling rules and the safety of third aircraft using Community airports;
4. Calls on the Commission to present its legislative proposals on the European Single Sky;
5. Calls on the EU Council of Transport Ministers to put in place a minimum security framework under the auspices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation and through the European Civil Aviation Conference, including the issue of addressing the cost that will be involved in implementing these new measures;
6. Calls on the Commission to fully recognise the unprecedented and exceptional nature of what happened on 11 September and to be flexible and measured in its approach to restoring confidence in the air transport sector in the European Union;
7. Calls on the Commission to ensure that European airlines who are going through extreme difficulties at this time do not lose their rights to air slots in Community airports;
8. Calls on the Commission to recognise that European airlines and EU governments will have to bear increased air insurance and security costs so as to restore consumer confidence and to ensure the safety of the travelling public;
9. Calls on the Commission to ensure that European airlines are not disadvantaged in a competitive sense vis-à-vis their American competitors;
10. Encourages the Commission to set up a round table on the problems being experienced by the air transport sector as quickly as possible and with active participation of the Member States;
11. Calls on the Commission and EU Governments to intensify marketing campaigns so as to win back European destinations as places for tourists to visit;
12. Invites the Commission, along with the Member States, to examine all possible preventative measures to reduce the ill effects being felt by the tourist industry and, in particular, to consider transitory measures that would facilitate the demands being made on the sector until normal activity resumes.
13. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission and the Council.