ETF Civil Aviation Section is closely monitoring the developments in European aviation caused by the spread of COVID-19.  It is clear that we are dealing with an unprecedented crisis and that aviation will not be the same once the immediate threat is over.
To ensure that the industry is saved and rebuilt, a series of aviation-specific measures need to be taken in short, medium and long-term perspective both by the European Institutions as well as the individual Member States.

On Wednesday, EU Transport Ministers adopted the Opatija Declaration on the future outlook of EU Waterborne Transport.
ETF welcomes the attention given to some of the ongoing industry challenges, and at the same time highlights several points that we believe merit further consideration and follow-up both of the EU Member States and the European Commission.

The crisis caused by COVID-19 is taking a huge toll on the transport workers of Europe. ETF General Secretary Livia Spera highlighted the obstacles transport workers are faced with, in a video message.

Yesterday, the European Commission announced that the rules about airport slots will be temporarily relaxed.
This is an important step to ensure the stability of the airline industry in Europe. If introduced in isolation, however, it fails to address the very real social cost civil aviation workers will pay because of the decline in air travel. In parallel with the changes of rules for airport slots, all EU member states need to ensure that workers whose employment is in danger are protected, in line with the provisions that exist in their national legislation.