On Tuesday 15 February, the European Commission launched a public consultation to analyse - with a view to a future revision - the effectiveness of the measures included in the Package Travel Directive (2015/2302).
This evaluation seeks, among other things, to find solutions to the new challenges that have arisen as a result of the health crisis in terms of protection against the insolvency of organisers, or the reimbursement of travellers.
The Commission notes that as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, a large number of passengers did not receive refunds within the time limits set out in the Directive (see EUROPE 12751/10). Some package tour organisers have also imposed vouchers on travellers, which is contrary to the Package Travel Directive.
Since the beginning of the health crisis, several Member States have also adopted legislation deviating from the Directive, thus increasing the reimbursement periods. In July 2020, the Commission opened infringement proceedings against 11 Member States for measures that contravene the Package Travel Directive (see EUROPE 12520/15).
The European Commission is not closing any doors for the moment and is considering three options to increase consumer protection. The first, non-legislative, would be based on the publication of guidelines or recommendations. The second would see targeted changes made. And the third would be a more comprehensive review of the legal framework.
See the consultation: https://aeur.eu/f/c5 (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)