JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
11 November 2001
- –Georg Jarzembowski and Jacqueline Foster on behalf of the PPE-DE Group
- –Brian Simpson on behalf of the PSE Group
- –Dirk Sterckx on behalf of the ELDR Group
- –Helmuth Markov on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group
- –Gerard Collins on behalf of the UEN Group
- –PPE-DE (B5‑0687/2001),
- –ELDR (B5‑0688/2001),
- –PSE (B5‑0702/2001),
- –UEN (B5‑0703/2001),
- –GUE/NGL (B5‑0705/2001),
European Parliament resolution on the economic and employment situation in the air transport sector and in the industrial and related service sectors
The European Parliament,
A. whereas the recent terrorist attacks have had a serious impact on consumer confidence in air travel and, as a result, on the economic condition of the airline industry and related service sectors worldwide,
B. recognising that, even before 11 September 2001, a number of companies had severe structural problems due to either worldwide economic recession, overcapacity or strategic mismanagement,
C. recognising that worldwide passenger traffic volume has decreased due to the terrorist attacks in September, particularly on transatlantic services and Middle East services, and recognising also that the overwhelming majority of airlines have had to cancel flights in order to counteract the rapid decrease in passenger numbers,
D. concerned about the fact that the US government is distorting international air traffic through massive subsidies to US air carriers,
E. concerned that airlines will cancel or postpone their orders for new aircraft, thus putting at risk jobs in Europe's aerospace industry,
F. 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 aviation sector,
G. concerned about the dramatic decline in tourist traffic, especially from the USA and the Far East to Europe, with its far-reaching consequences for the whole tourism industry,
H. recognising that there is a requirement for further consolidation and restructuring of the European aviation industry within the framework of an intermodal approach,
1. Is of the opinion that airlines have to be substantially compensated for the closure of US airspace during the first four days and the closure of US airports for a further three 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, and also asks the Commission to investigate the consistency of the US $15 billion aid package with international trade rules;
4. Urges the Commission to contribute to the consolidation of 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. Asks the Commission to watch developments on the labour market in the air industry very closely so that, if necessary, it can present effective proposals for the safeguarding or creation of jobs;
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;
7. Urges the Commission, the Member States and the international community to work on corresponding proposals to restore public confidence in both the security and the safety of the aviation sector;
8. Urges the EU and the Member States to back public campaigns to support the tourism 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.