EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 84/253

(2004/C 84 E/0300)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3855/03

by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) and Paolo Pastorelli (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(16 December 2003)

Subject: Airport security

Our lives have changed radically since 11 September 2001. Fear of terrorist attack has become part of our daily lives and consequently public safety measures have been stepped up in our cities and in high-risk key facilities such as airports.

As the present time is, unfortunately, typified by almost daily acts of terrorism, such as the attacks in Turkey and Iraq, the safety of the public is an issue of prime concern. The following recent experience was, therefore, instructive.

A few days ago, the authors of this question travelled to Brussels airport together. After going through the usual check-in procedures and having our hand-luggage checked, we still had time to have a meal in one of the restaurants in the departure lounge. We were somewhat taken aback to see that travellers could help themselves from an array of sharp, pointed knives. Obviously, a potential hijacker could pocket one before proceeding through the departure gate and boarding. There were no further checks of our hand luggage or persons. A potential terrorist — however unprepared — would have no trouble in hijacking an aircraft. Furthermore, we realised that if a passenger checked in electronically at the appropriate desk, nobody would check his passport either at the initial checkpoint at the entrance to the departure lounge or at the point where hand-luggage was checked. Consequently, a terrorist would have no difficulty getting on board an aircraft at the airport in Brussels, the European city that is the seat of so many institutions and offers so many targets for terrorists. So much for ‘security’.

Would the Commission state its views on this state of affairs?

Does the Commission envisage mandatory security standards for airports? If not, what does the Commission intend to do to ensure that such standards are introduced in the interests of public safety?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(17 February 2004)

The Honourable Members raise several questions regarding aviation security. It should firstly be noted that it is not appropriate in a reply that shall be placed in the public domain to discuss the security standards of a specific airport. The answer shall, therefore, examine the general issues raised.

Mandatory European security standards have existed since 19 January 2003 when Regulation (EC) No 2320/2002 of the Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2002 establishing common rules in the field of civil aviation security (1) came into force. This has been complemented by further regulations, one of which specifies all items that are prohibited to be taken onto aircraft in the EU.

As regards restaurants located beyond the security control points of airports, it is the obligation that cutlery used there shall not be considered to be dangerous. In this regard, the approach used shall be no different to that taken towards cutlery provided on aircraft where metal knives may be permitted provided that they are blunt.

In general, the Commission is continually reviewing Regulation (EC) No 2320/2002 and its associated implementing rules in order to seek high levels of aviation security throughout the European Union. In this instance, the Commission is willing to write to all Member States requesting information on the use of metal cutlery at airport restaurants located beyond airport security screening points.

(1) OJ L 355, 30.12.2002.