De Palacio in move to introduce total flight baggage screening

Date: 14/03/02

By Martin Banks

THE European Commission is proposing strict new airline security laws in the wake of the events of 11 September.

The regulations will make screening of hold baggage a legal requirement in all member states.

Hand baggage is automatically checked but, at present, only a handful of EU countries have 100 hold baggage screening. Commission Vice-President Loyola de Palacio believes a more uniform application of the rules is needed to help restore public confidence in air travel.

She said: 'Air transport is one of the symbols of freedom of movement and trade which characterise our societies. It must stay that way.

'The security of European citizens must be guaranteed: only the uniform, effective application of security measures will enable all Europeans to continue to have confidence in EU skies and airports.'

The UK is one of the few member states where 100 hold baggage screening is commonplace, but even there it usually applies only on international flights. Britain plans to extend screening to cover domestic flights. The US is also committed to achieving 100 hold baggage screening.

The Commission's move is part of a package of proposals put forward by the institution designed to improve security.

It also includes controlling access to sensitive areas of airports and aircraft and improved training of ground staff.

'The terrorist attacks in New York and Washington show that member states now all face the same threat and must, therefore, formulate a collective response,' said a spokesman for the EU executive.

France Nivelle, spokesman for SN Brussels Airlines, formerly the Belgian national airline Sabena, said: 'I cannot discuss security arrangements but, of course, we will happily comply with anything which improves aviation security.'

The European Commission is proposing strict new airline security laws in the wake of the events of 11 September 2001. The regulations will make screening of hold baggage a legal requirement in all Member States.