Groundhandling services at Union airports

The European Parliament adopted by 396 votes to 272, with 12 abstentions, an amendment tabled by the Committee on Transport and Tourism rejecting the proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on ground handling services at Union airports and repealing Council Directive 96/67/EC.

Acknowledging the rejection, Siim Kallas (Vice-President of the Commission) stated that the Commission would not withdraw its proposal.

Parliament then rejected – with 157 votes in favour, 496 against, and 13 abstentions – a request to put the legislative resolution to a vote.

The matter has therefore been referred back for re-examination to the committee responsible.