WRITTEN QUESTION No. 82/99 by Anita POLLACK to the Commission. Package Travel Directive
Date: 1999-01-27
Institutions: European Parliament, POLLACK
Subjects: Greece, Italy, consumer information, consumer protection, guarantee, infringement procedure (EU), interpretation of the law, package travel, redemption

C 207/156

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

21.7.1999

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

(2 March 1999)

In the context of the Socrates programme, and in accordance with the procedures laid down in the applicants’
guide, the Commission has supported specific projects submitted by transnational partnerships involving local
and regional authorities which are members of the DIECEC (Developing Intercultural Education through
Cooperation between European Cities) network. Furthermore, the Commission has contributed to supporting
and developing this network.

The Commission would like to draw the attention of the Honourable Member to the fact that the common
position adopted by the Council
(21 December 1998) concerning the second phase of the Socrates
programme contains a specific action (Comenius, Action 3) aimed at supporting European networks working
in the field of education. As a result, the procedures laid down in the context of the common position make it
easier to provide financial support for organisations such as the DIECEC network, as they encourage
participation by local and regional authorities.

(1999/C 207/216)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4002/98

by Caroline Jackson (PPE) to the Commission

(5 January 1999)

Subject: The Package Travel Directive

Consumer complaints about package tour operators continue to increase, despite the existence of the Package
Travel Directive 90/314/EEC (1). Particular concern has been expressed about what happens to package tour
customers if their tour operator becomes insolvent and about the levying of surcharges on published prices.

Is the Commission satisfied that the Directive gives consumers adequate protection in the event of a tour
organiser’s insolvency, so that the organiser and/or retailer who is party to the contract are under an obligation
to provide sufficient protection, in the event of insolvency, for the rapid reimbursement of all funds paid by the
consumer?

Why has the Commission been prepared to accept that the United Kingdom has transposed Article 4 of the
Directive, concerning the possibility of revising published prices, in a less rigorous and precise form than that
set out in the actual text of the Directive?

Is the Commission preparing to come forward with amendments to the Directive in the light of these and other
comments?

(1) OJ L 158, 23.6.1990, p. 59.

(1999/C 207/217)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0082/99

by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission

(27 January 1999)

Subject: Package Travel Directive

Will the Commission support calls for tougher safeguards to protect consumers against the collapse of package
tour operators by bringing forward proposals to amend the Package Travel Directive, in order to give
consumers additional information on the safeguarding of pre-payments, enable bookings to be transferred if
their holiday is jeopardised and ensure that holidaymakers are brought home if the company goes bankrupt?