Brussels may allow further state funding

The European Commission may approve further state assistance by allowing governments to help provide airlines with insurance cover into 2002. On 10 October 2001 the European Commission said EU countries would be allowed only until December 2001 to underwrite airlines' insurance policies, but in an interview with the Financial Times on 11 October 2001, Transport Commissioner, Loyola de Palacio, said the Commission might extend this time period.