Cash row looms over increased airport security

Date: 23/05/02

By David Cronin

AVIATION analysts predict a bitter row between two of the EU's main institutions in the coming months, over who should pick up the bill for the increased airport security measures introduced after 11 September.

Although the Council of Ministers has rejected a package of 26 proposals from MEPs aimed at improving safety, a majority in the Parliament voted to retable them on Tuesday (14 May).

EU governments oppose the measures because they feel the aviation industry should meet the bulk of the cost of implementing the measures, rather than national treasuries.

But MEPs insist governments should cover some of the extra funding needed.

The issue is now due to be discussed by the Union's transport ministers at their next meeting on 17-18 June.

One aviation expert said that 'messy' conciliation talks between the institutions were now likely.

Lobby group Airports Council International is backing the MEPs' stance. 'We need a harmonised system throughout the EU to avoid huge distortions of competition' said director of policy John Hume. He pointed out that the US had used public money to improve airport safety following the terror attacks on New York and Washington.

The aviation industry estimates that major European airports have had to spend between 20 million euro and 30m euro each since the outrages, largely on extra security staff and new equipment.

Among the precautions being sought by MEPs are unannounced inspections and the mandatory screening of all airport employees.

Aviation analysts are predicting a bitter row between two of the EU's main institutions over who should pick up the bill for the increased airport security measures introduced after 11 September 2001.