MEPs extend measures to help the transport sector

On Thursday, the European Parliament (EP) amended the rules on the use of airport slots and made it possible to extend certain documents in an effort to help the transport sector and drivers during the pandemic. In March 2020, the European Parliament suspended the rule on the loss of unused airport slots in order to reduce so-called ghost flights during the pandemic. Airlines thus did not have to face the threat of losing take-off and landing slots, which they do not currently use. The current derogation expires on 27 March 2021. MEPs therefore decided to temporarily adjust the application of the general rule on the loss of unused slots in an effort to help the aviation sector and provide airlines with legal certainty in good time. Under the new legislation, approved by MEPs by a vote of 683 in favor, three against and four abstentions, airlines should maintain take-off and landing intervals during the winter season 2021-2022, provided that they use them during this summer season at least 50% for this year. Prior to the pandemic, airlines were threatened with loss of slots if they did not use at least 80%. In addition, the European Commission will be empowered to extend the amended rule for further seasons while setting the minimum slot utilization rate between 30% and 70%, as appropriate. The European Union (EU) executive will thus be able to respond immediately to the changing intensity of air traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the latest forecast of Eurocontrol, the volume of air traffic should reach approximately half of last year's level this year. Parliament also abstained by a vote of 647 in favor, 24 against and 19 abstentions, allowing EU Member States to renew certain documents, including certificates, protocols and licenses, and to postpone certain regular inspections, trainings or trainings which are normally in the transport sector fifteen different sets of rules necessary. The reason is the strict hygiene requirements currently in force, which can complicate the process of renewing the driving license, checking the technical fitness of the vehicle or assessing port security. The new rules will make it possible to extend the validity of documents that were to be renewed between 1 September 2020 and 30 June 2021 for another ten months. The governments of the EU Member States may choose not to make use of the derogation allowing for the renewal of individual documents, but will have to accept the extended validity of documents issued by other Member States in order to ensure the smooth functioning of the single market. In the vote, Parliament supported the legislation, the wording of which Members consulted in advance with the representatives of the Member States in the EU Council. Both regulations, after approval by Members, must be supported by the ministers of the Member States before their entry into force.