EU plans airport security boost

Security has improved considerably since 11 September 2001

Tighter security is needed at Europe's airports and on aircraft despite improvements since the 9/11 attacks on the US, the European Commission says.

Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot has set out proposals so authorities can deal more effectively with "constantly changing threats".

They include setting EU standards for in-flight security and cargo handling.

Transport commission official Stefaan de Rynck told reporters that armed air marshals were not being proposed.

Precise details of the proposals or shortcomings would not be released for security reasons, he added.

Mr Barrot's report said the rules introduced since 11 September 2001 had considerably enhanced security levels at European airports. The measures set minimum national security and quality control plans across the EU.

We will never compel member states to have sky marshals on board Stefaan de Rynck

But the report adds that there "is still room for improving the protection of European citizens further without compromising the operators' legitimate interests... at European airports".

Checks carried out at EU airports exposed some repeated "non-conformities", including lax controls on screening of airport staff and the monitoring of freight, the report said.

Banned items

The proposals will be discussed at talks chaired by the UK, which holds the EU presidency, on Monday.

Aviation experts from all 25 member states will discuss what other joint measures the EU should adopt.

Last year, EU officials banned air passengers from taking knives and guns onto planes, as well as potential weapons such as fishing rods, snooker cues, ice skates, ski poles and skateboards.

There was some resistance to US-style armed air marshals, but Mr de Rynck said that would remain an issue for individual member states.