Impact of Thomas Cook's bankruptcy

26.9.2019

Question for written answer P-002999-19
to the Commission
Rule 138
Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D) , Isabel García Muñoz (S&D) , Alicia Homs Ginel (S&D) , Adriana Maldonado López (S&D)

Thomas Cook’s bankruptcy will cost the Canary Islands an estimated EUR 3 billion, or 6% of the islands’ GDP. We can also expect its impact on the islands’ economy to be similarly brutal.

EC law safeguards passengers’ rights, specifically Directive (EU) 2015/2302 on package travel and linked travel arrangements and Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights. The directive on package travel and linked travel arrangements provides for such situations and establishes safeguards in the event of the insolvency of tour operators.

How can the Commission ensure that these provisions are invoked?

Does it intend to implement a connectivity contingency plan to address the consequences of this crisis?

In addition to marshalling resources from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, what other mechanisms can help mitigate the impact of job losses in the tourist areas concerned?