BRUSSELS, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- The EU Thursday unveiled a plan to strengthen its common air security rules, giving it more power to confront the constantly changing face of terrorism.
The proposal reflects the shortcomings revealed by inspections in airports in the 25 member states. It will also make it fitter to face the challenges of technological innovations that can either increase security or threaten it by facilitating terrorist movements and actions.
"The protection of aviation against terrorist attacks has considerably improved since the 2001 attacks. Nonetheless, the new regulation will enable us to be more effective and react faster to a threat which is constantly changing," Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot said Thursday.
The current law, which was adopted in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, includes provisions ranging from the illumination of parking areas to background checks on staff. The new proposal from the commission would extend these rules to cover flights from third countries.
Reflecting the EU's "better regulation" mantra, the revision of the law will close off any weak links by making it simpler for airports -- which are responsible for air security in the European Union -- to understand and comply with the rules.
