ERA’S SEVEN RULES OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE LAW-MAKING

01/06/2005

The European Regions Airline Association (ERA) presented its Seven Rules of Highly Effective Regulation today in Brussels as part of its continuing campaign for better regulation and consultation procedures between the European Commission (EC) and air transport stakeholders.

Presented at a Hearing for Better Law-making and Better Implementation of EU Regulation, organised by the European Economic & Social Committee (EESC), ERA’s Seven Rules set out seven steps regulators must apply when drafting legislation in order to create law which provides real benefits for industry and consumer alike.

Originating from ERA’s Vision for European Air Transport, the presentation of the Seven Rules follows ERA’s charge of maladministration against the EC in April over the misleading and erroneous information released to air passengers concerning their rights for compensation in the event of flight cancellations or delays.

The presentation of the Seven Rules comes as Jacques Barrot, European Commissioner for Transport, attends the Environmental Challenge of Global Transport roundtable event as part of Green Week. ERA Director General Mike Ambrose commented: “ERA cannot support environmental regulation that fails to apply these Seven Rules.”

ERA’S SEVEN RULES OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE REGULATION

Is regulation necessary?
There must be an identified and evaluated need for legislation.

Will industry self-regulation meet the identified need?
This is the preferred solution if possible.

If regulation is necessary, how much?
The minimum that will meet the identified need.

How should legislation be developed?
By working with experts:- air transport has many experts within ECAC, the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) and the industry.

What are the effects of the legislation?
When a proposal is published, it should be accompanied by a full cost-benefit analysis.

Is the legislation even-handed?
All legislation should be non-discriminatory:- legislation should not distort competition between EU airlines, between EU and non-EU airlines, and between airlines and other competing transport businesses.

Will the legislation be enforced?
Legislation should be capable of being monitored effectively, and must be subject to fair and equal enforcement in all the states in which it applies, and to all the businesses to which it applies, including non-EU airlines where applicable.