Massive industrial recovery plan for airlines and the aeronautics industry in the light of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
22.4.2020
Question for written answer E-002426/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Christophe Grudler (Renew), Dominique Riquet (Renew), Svenja Hahn (Renew), Marie-Pierre Vedrenne (Renew), Jan-Christoph Oetjen (Renew)
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, airlines have experienced an unprecedented drop in demand and many have grounded their aircraft. These measures have had a huge impact on the aerospace supply chain. Deliveries are delayed, revenues are down and many companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, are almost bankrupt.
The USA has decided to provide a massive support package to US aerospace companies totalling almost USD 60 billion. If the EU fails to do the same, it will create a serious imbalance that will penalise the European aerospace industry.
- 1.Does the Commission intend to rapidly draw up a post-COVID industrial recovery plan that would allow airlines and aeronautic companies to benefit from EU funds and measures to ensure their liquidity, such as guarantees and credit facilities?
- 2.In the longer term, should the EU’s industrial strategy contain a firm political commitment and measures to provide financial support for European innovation in sustainable aviation?
- 3.Furthermore, will the Commission build on existing initiatives (the CleanSky research programme, the Single European Sky ATM Research Joint Undertaking and the Single European Sky research and development programme) to establish a strategic partnership between the Member States, the EU and the aeronautics industry with a view to rolling out a massive industrial programme capable of maintaining the EU’s world leadership in this sector and its strategic autonomy?