Regionalflyg och Turism i Europarådet !

Speech at Council of Europe,  Mr. Anders G. HÖGMARK, Sweden

Mr. President,

First of all I would like to thank the rapporteur, Monsieur Masseret, for a very good report. I would also like to thank the rapporteur for his kindness by referring to a former member of the assembly and the EPP Group, Mr. Knut Billing – a former colleague of mine in the Swedish parliament and his earlier work with issues concerning air transports.

I think this report gives a broad picture of the European – and world – air transport industry. Today this industry suffers under the combined effects of a weakend world economy, the threat of terrorism and the fears of SARS.

The air transport industry is also in rapid structural change, where many established carriers make major losses and are losing market shares to low cost carriers. 

Mr. President, I think it is important for the Council of Europe to discuss these issues. It is not only a question of economic impact but also a question of values.

The Air transport system has a very important role in bringing people from all parts of the world together. During the last 50 years the air transport system has had a remarkable capacity to create accessibility in our continent, Europe, which has given possibilities for people to visit other countries, meet other cultures, learn from each other etc. The tourist industry has grown rapidly.

Lots of people from other continents have learned from visits in Europe that plurality, dialogue, tolerance are core values in the European society. Our European ideas have been spread all over the world through all these visits.

The importance of the air transport systems can hardly be overestimated in this respect.

Mr. President,
My point is that a threat against the air transport systems is also a threat against an open society and the values the Council of Europe stands for.

I am quite aware of the neccessity and importance of security controls. I would like to stress that fact. It must be reasonably safe to fly. But I think it is important to have a serious discussion about how we really get value, i.e. better security for the money invested in new security control systems.

If we really want to live in an open, democratic society where we can travel, meet each other etc., we have to take certain risks. You can’t reduce risks to zero. Life is a risky project. I think everyone knows that.

Mr. President,
May I finish my speach with a few remarks about economy, especially concerning small airports. In my capacity as chairman of an association for Swedish regional airports, I really meet the problems of the air transport industry today.

Small airports all over Europe have suffered a lot during the last two-three years. For many of them the situation is critical. It is a question of survival and the problems are growing. Something must be done.

These small airports are very important for accessibility. Many remote, sparsely populated regions in Europe are very dependent on these small airports. It’s a threat against the development and a better future for these regions if the airports can’t survive.

For these airports it’s extremely important to have rules and regulations that are adapted to the special conditions of small airports. Today it is nearly impossible for them to bear further expensive security investments.

Mr. President,
May I conclude: A good report, an important issue.
I hope that we will have further opportunities to discuss all these important questions here in the assembly. Important for the air transport industry but also important for an open, democratic society – for our Europe.

Thank you Mr President.