European Union News
New EU-wide rules on drone operations
The European Commission has adopted common EU-wide rules setting technical requirements for drones. They will set features and capabilities that drones must have in order to be flown safely and, at the same time, help foster investment and innovation in this promising sector.
European Parliament approves no-deal aviation arrangements
The European parliament has voted in support of UK airlines still being able to operate routes to and from the UK to EU countries, in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
European Commission gives approval to Air France-KLM investment in Virgin Atlantic
The commission concluded the transaction would raise no competition concerns in the European Economic Area.
Qatar signs comprehensive air transport agreement with European Union
European commissioner for mobility and transport, Violeta Bulc, has announced that the European Union and Qatar have concluded negotiations for a comprehensive air transport agreement.
WTTC offers support as ETIAS approved in Europe
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System has won formal approval from the European Union. A pre-authorisation system, it will allow the EU to know who is entering the region, from where and if they pose a risk to security.
UNWTO deepens cooperation with European Union
Advancing sustainable tourism across Europe is at the centre of an agreement signed between the United Nations World Tourism Organisation and the European parliament.
Mobile roaming charges abolished for EU citizens
Phone users in the EU will see roaming charges abolished from today. New rules mean citizens travelling within the EU will be able to call, text and access data on mobile devices at the same price they pay at home.
Tourism industry lobbies government for support during Brexit negotiations
The UK tourism industry has, perhaps unsurprisingly, called for tourism to be top of the government’s agenda as Brexit negotiations begin. Prime minister Theresa May today officially notified the European Union of the UK’s intention to leave the club, triggering Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon.
ABTA criticises government AHIC stance
British travel group ABTA has criticised the government for failing to back the continuation of the European Health Insurance Card scheme following Brexit. At present, a valid EHIC gives UK citizens the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in another European country.
Airlines for Europe endorses EU emissions proposals
The European Commission has presented its proposal to keep the scope of its emissions trading system to cover flights within the EU, known as Stop the Clock. This step follows the historic agreement reached by governments last year on a global scheme to address climate change as proposed by the United Nations aviation specialised agency, International Civil Aviation Organisation.
Two new European Capitals of Culture for 2017
Aarhus and Pafos have taken up the title of European Capital of Culture for 2017. The cultural programme will officially begin on January 21st in Aarhus. The opening ceremony for Pafos 2017 will take place on January 28th, with Christos Stylianides, commissioner for humanitarian aid and crisis management, and Nicos Anastasiades, president of Cyprus in attendance.
UNWTO secretary general stresses EU links
During a recent visit to Brussels, Belgium, the secretary general of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, Taleb Rifai, discussed how to reinforce the collaboration of the organisation with the European Union. Rifai met the EU commissioners for education, culture, youth and sports, Tibor Navracsics; for environment, maritime affairs and fisheries, Karmenu Vella; and for international cooperation and development, Neven Mimica.