Transport, EU: Italy and Greece violate passenger rights

2020-07-02T14:38:11.071Z

The European Commission has launched infringement procedures against Italy and Greece for violation of EU rules that protect passengers' rights. Both Greece and Italy, the Commission notes, which sent as many letters of formal notice to the two countries, have adopted measures that violate the rights of passengers of planes and ships. Italy has also introduced rules that violate the rights of bus and train passengers. Italy and Greece have adopted rules that provide for the delivery of vouchers as the only form of reimbursement for passengers who have had their travel canceled, which is contrary to EU regulations, which provide for the right to reimbursement: the voucher cannot be the only one option, but must be chosen voluntarily and the Commission has repeatedly invited Member States and carriers to make them more convenient, so as to increase their use. Rome and Athens now have two months to reply, otherwise the Commission could move on to the reasoned opinion, the second phase of the infringement procedure.