Restrictive and coordinated action throughout Europe is necessary to contain the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic during the winter months.

As a result, the upcoming Christmas holidays in this year of COVID risk becoming an occasion to be dreaded rather than a cause for celebration. An agreed European strategy is therefore urgently needed to flatten the contagion curve within manageable limits and then allow for a controlled easing of restrictions.

One of the most thorny issues on the table that must be addressed immediately is the regulation of access to the ski slopes, especially over Christmas, a peak period in terms of numbers and turnover. The winter sports sector is of great economic and social significance and a major source of employment in a number of Member States.

It is only through a joint coordinated approach at European level that the season can be saved for all operators in this sector, especially in economic terms.

In view of this:

1. Can the Commission say whether it will take urgent coordinated action at European level to regulate the winter sports sector?

2. Will it adopt joint European guidelines and protocols to facilitate access to ski slopes in all Member States?

3. Will it take special measures to assist operators in the sector should the ski slopes remain closed?