Videoconference of transport ministers, 29 April 2020

Summary:

EU Ministers responsible for transport matters held an informal video conference on 29 April 2020, for which EFTA countries were also invited.

Further information:

Ministers held a discussion on the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for transport. The meeting focused on possible additional measures and the coordination of the easing of restrictions in the context of the European Union's exit strategy.

Media outlets reported on a debate between Member States and a looming clash with the European Commission over a potential suspension of EU air passengers rights, in what concerns the issuing of vouchers by airlines, travel refunds and reimbursement for cancelled tickets.

• Primary Source

Commentary and Analysis

Politico, 27/04/2020: Europe’s canceled summer holiday https://www.politico.com/news/2020/04/27/europes-canceled-summer-holiday-214063

Deutsche Welle, 28/04/2020: When and how: Post-coronavirus travel in the EU is up in the air https://p.dw.com/p/3bWqe

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News

Deutsche Welle, 28/04/2020: EU rejects Germany's call to allow vouchers over refunds for canceled trips https://p.dw.com/p/3bVf0

Reuters, 28/04/2020: EU governments risk clash with EU exec in bid to save tourism season https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKCN22A1XL

EurActiv, 29/04/2020: Twelve countries demand passenger rights suspension https://www.euractiv.com/section/aviation/news/twelve-countries-demand-passenger-rights-suspension/

Kathimerini, 29/04/2020: EU countries urge suspension of air passenger rights to refunds https://www.ekathimerini.com/252167/article/ekathimerini/news/eu-countries-urge-suspension-of-air-passenger-rights-to-refunds

Euronews, 29/04/2020: Coronavirus: 'Most EU states' want Brussels to suspend refunds for cancelled flights law https://www.euronews.com/2020/04/29/a-dozen-eu-states-will-today-call-on-brussels-to-suspend-law-granting-refunds-for-cancelle

BBC News, 29/04/2020: Coronavirus: Germany dashes tourism sector's hopes on lockdown https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-52470019

EUObserver, 30/04/2020: EU Commission clash with countries over travel refund https://euobserver.com/coronavirus/148219

The Irish Times, 30/04/2020: Ireland calls on EU to allow airlines to give vouchers instead of refunds https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/travel/ireland-calls-on-eu-to-allow-airlines-to-give-vouchers-instead-of-refunds-1.4241806

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Official

Croatian Council Presidency: News, 29/04/2020: EU Transport Ministers discussed future challenges that may occur as a consequence of relaxing measures https://eu2020.hr/Home/OneNews?id=263

Croatian Council Presidency: Presidency summary of the informal videoconference of transport ministers, 29 April 2020 https://eu2020.hr/Home/DocumentDownload/216

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