Liquids ban to be considered by EU experts

Gavin Lipsith

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Analysts from the 25 EU member states and the European Commission meet in Brussels today to discuss the harmonisation of airport security across the region

The European Commission and experts from the 25 EU member states are meeting today in Brussels to discuss airport security measures across the region. On the agenda are proposals including a ban on passenger boarding planes with drinks, liquids and lotions; a restriction on the size of hand luggage; and tougher checks on laptop computers.

The meeting follows on from a special meeting held on August 30 by the Finnish presidency of the EU, and the expert panel will examine a document drafted by the European Commission reviewing options for harmonizing security measures at European airports.

Reports in European press suggested that any operational conclusions to come out of the meeting would not need to be approved by the European Parliament, and that the panel would not consider financial implications other than the cost-benefit models of proposed changes. It was not indicated whether the panel would take onboard concerns about implications for the airport duty-free industry if the current liquids restrictions are maintained or extended.