Brussels, 17/02/2011 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission sent Poland a Reasoned Opinion on Wednesday 16 February requesting that it fully apply European Union legislation on aviation security. The Commission is concerned that Poland is not applying the common standards of security at certain airports, and has not put in place any alternative security methods. If the Polish authorities fail to inform the Commission within two months of measures taken to ensure compliance with EU law, the Commission can refer the case to the EU Court of Justice.
The Commission is concerned about Poland's application of EU Regulation 300/2008 on civil aviation security, laying down common basic standards to be applied at all EU airports not exclusively used for military purposes. The legislation establishes, among other things, rules on access control at airports, screening of passengers and baggage, and protection of cargo and mail, with the aim of protecting people and goods by preventing acts of unlawful interference that would jeopardise security. Member states are responsible for ensuring the correct application of these standards. Under certain circumstances, member states may adopt alternative security measures at airports satisfying certain criteria established under EU Regulation 1254/2009, but must inform the Commission of any such measure. Poland claims that certain “small” airports in its territory do not fall under the EU legislation and it therefore does not ensure the application of the common basic standards at these airports, and did not inform the Commission about the introduction of alternative security measures for these airports. The Commission explains in a press release that it fears Poland cannot guarantee that flights from these airports fulfil EU aviation security requirements, resulting in a potentially greater risk to the security of persons and cargo. (A.By./transl.fl)