Lengthy negotiations among the European Parliament and representatives from the 27 EU member states have concluded with an agreement on revision of the regulatory framework for aviation security.
The proposal seeks to replace the present legislation adopted in the aftermath of 9/11. The new text lays down common security measures for screening passengers and cabin baggage, access control, checks for prohibited articles, aircraft checks and searches as well as patrols and other physical controls. Member states may apply more stringent measures provided these are "relevant, objective, nondiscriminatory and proportional" to the risk addressed.
Parliament and the EU Council agreed that states deploying sky marshals must ensure that they are specially selected and trained. Weapons must not be carried onboard unless the requisite security conditions have been fulfilled in accordance with national laws and authorization has been given by the states involved.
The proposal also introduces "onestop" security checks. Passengers and/ or their baggage arriving in the EU on flights from third countries that have aviation security standards equivalent to the EU’s will not need not be rescreened.