The European Union again punched the table on Thursday over trips canceled due to the coronavirus epidemic. Brussels has launched an infringement procedure against ten countries, including France, to defend the right of travelers to be reimbursed in the event of the cancellation of their journeys due to the pandemic. Airlines had already been called to order, but this time, packages, that is, offers including flights and hotels, are also affected.
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France authorizes tour operators not to reimburse services immediately
Since the start of the coronavirus epidemic, France has authorized tour operators not to immediately reimburse canceled services. Instead, consumers may be forced to purchase a voucher, redeemable in just a year and a half. But according to Brussels, this is contrary to European law and to the 2015 European directive on package travel. France must therefore comply with this European law, which expressly provides that the traveler can opt for a full refund. Even if only the plane is canceled, the tour operator must also reimburse the hotel.
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The government suspended the application of this text until September, explaining that it was to protect the bankruptcy of many tourism professionals. But complaints are pouring into consumer associations. The UFC Que Choisir also welcomed Thursday the opening of the infringement procedure against France. However, that does not change anything immediately. It is a form of pressure but it remains to be seen how the government will react. Ultimately, he risks a complaint before the European Court of Justice.