European Commission announced a series of measures to clarify and strengthen the enforcement of passenger rights legislation, thus consumers can more effectively access their rights and industry has more certainty and a level playing field across the EU.

The Commission will take soon a series of measures to improve pan-European application of passenger rights, such as strengthening the mandate of the network of national enforcement bodies (NEBs) to adopt decisions on a common interpretation and enforcement of passenger rights issues as they arise; publishing NEB interpretive guidelines on the regulation on people with reduced mobility (Regulation 1107/2006); creating a new forum for feedback from consumer groups, NGOs and industry on all air passenger rights issues and stepping up information and awareness campaigns.

Vice-President Kallas also stated his intention to open a dialogue with stakeholders with a view to revising the EU's air passenger rights Regulation 261/2004, with a proposal from the Commission in 2012. The review would look to clarify, in particular, key issues such as limits for liability in case of extraordinary circumstances, compensation thresholds, effective re-routing of passengers, shared risk between operators in the supply chain and other issues where there are weaknesses, including protection in the case of mishandled luggage or re-scheduled flights.

Looking ahead at the review of Regulation 261/2004, the Commission will launch this year an impact assessment and public consultation. In parallel, and to strengthen and ensure coherent enforcement of passenger rights across all modes, the Commission will, already in 2011, bring forward a communication clarifying key concepts so they apply in the same way across all transport modes: rail, air, maritime, bus and coach.