EU air passenger compensation rules are at the center of a growing political clash in Europe, as France and Germany push for changes that would reduce payouts for delayed and cancelled flights.
The debate comes during long-running negotiations over reforms to passenger rights in the European Union. The latest proposal, supported by Paris and Berlin, suggests lowering compensation levels for medium and long-haul flights.
Under the plan, passengers would receive a flat compensation rate of €250 for delays of more than three hours on flights over 3,500 kilometres. This marks a significant reduction from current levels, which can reach €400 or €600 depending on flight distance and delay length.
The proposal is part of efforts by France and Germany to simplify the system. Officials argue that a single threshold and a single compensation amount would make claims easier to understand and process for passengers.
They also suggest that all delayed passengers should receive a direct link to submit compensation claims. This is intended to streamline the process and reduce confusion when filing requests.
The position has been shared in a joint Franco-German document circulated during ongoing negotiations in Brussels. It highlights the need to balance passenger protection with the financial impact on airlines.
The proposed changes come after more than a decade of intermittent talks over EU air passenger rights reform. Lawmakers have struggled to reach a final agreement due to disagreements over compensation levels and airline obligations.
The current negotiation process is under pressure because a legal deadline is approaching. If no agreement is reached by 15 June, the reform effort will collapse, and existing rules will remain in place.
The European Parliament has taken a different stance from France and Germany. Lawmakers have argued against reducing current passenger rights and have pushed to maintain stronger compensation protections.
In earlier discussions, the Parliament proposed keeping existing compensation thresholds largely unchanged. However, it suggested reducing compensation for long-haul delays of 3 to 4 hours to €300, a smaller adjustment than the Franco-German plan.
The Parliament also supported mandatory digital claim links for passengers. This would ensure that airlines provide a simple way for travellers to request compensation after delays.
Another proposal from lawmakers included requiring airlines to include at least one medium-sized piece of carry-on luggage in ticket prices. However, airlines would be allowed to offer discounted fares for passengers who choose to travel without luggage.
Negotiations between the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament have become increasingly tense as the deadline approaches.
The Council has already rejected a previous compromise proposal from Parliament negotiators, adding further pressure to reach a deal.
European Parliament negotiator Andrey Novakov, a Bulgarian conservative, said lawmakers are still waiting for a final proposal from the Council. He warned that time is running out to secure an agreement.
Another senior negotiator, Virginijus Sinkevičius, a former EU environment commissioner, strongly criticized the Franco-German position. He said that weakening passenger rights could put the entire deal at risk.
He argued that if France and Germany continue to push for reduced compensation, they would be responsible if the negotiations fail. His comments reflect growing frustration within Parliament as talks stall.
The Council of the European Union has not yet presented a final unified position on the latest proposals, according to Parliament representatives.
Supporters of reform say the goal is to create a clearer and more practical system for both passengers and airlines. However, critics warn that reducing compensation could weaken consumer protection across the EU.
The issue of air passenger rights has been debated for more than 13 years, with repeated delays in reaching consensus. Key disagreements include compensation levels, definitions of extraordinary circumstances, and rules on baggage allowances.
As the deadline approaches, pressure is increasing on both sides to reach a compromise that can avoid the collapse of the reform process.
The outcome of these negotiations will determine how millions of air travellers across Europe are compensated for delays and disruptions in the future.
