Press Release: Transport: Commission refers Germany to Court for inadequate monitoring of airport security controls

The European Commission referred Germany to the European Court of Justice on 28 May 2015 for failing to regularly monitor all aviation security measures at some German airports, as required by EU legislation (Regulation (EU) No 300/2008).

Security measures are in place to help prevent criminal acts and in particular are expected to protect airports and planes against terrorist attacks with arms or explosives. Inspections by the Commission showed that Germany does not comply with the minimum frequency and the scope of controls required under EU legislation.

In July 2015, the German government admitted to failings in airport security checks, causing the Left Party and the Bundespolizei to call for their de-privatisation.

Following the terrorist attacks in Brussels in March 2016, which included an explosion at an international airport, German authorities eventually decided to correct deficiencies in security checks at its airports.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: May infringements package: main decisions http://www.europeansources.info/record/memo-may-infringements-package-main-decisions-2/

EurActiv, 14.07.15: Germany confirms gaps in airport security monitoring http://www.euractiv.com/sections/transport/germany-confirms-gaps-airport-security-monitoring-316273

The Local.de, 13.07.15: Govt admits: airports need better security http://www.thelocal.de/20150713/govt-admits-airports-need-better-security

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