MEPs are demanding the return of planes stolen by Russia

European carriers offer Ukrainian citizens free travel by train, bus, ship or plane. This is highly appreciated, as stated in the resolution on the impact of Russia's illegal war with Ukraine on the EU's transport and tourism sector. MEPs add that transport is a strategic EU tool that provides solidarity and support to Ukraine and its citizens.

They emphasize that the war in Ukraine has left its mark on the EU transport sector by increasing fuel prices and disrupting supply chains. MEPs believe that EU transport operators linked to the Russian market should be supported as they redirect their activities away from Russia.

MEPs are concerned about the serious impact of the war on the aviation sector. They regret the fact that Russia, clearly violating the rules of international civil aviation. As a result, it forced planes leased from foreign companies to be re-registered in the Russian register. "Such theft cannot be tolerated," say MEPs, demanding the immediate return of these planes to their rightful owners.

The resolution also calls on the EU to further tighten sanctions against the Russian maritime sector. Also, to refuse to allow ships to enter EU ports. In addition, all ships wishing to stay in an EU port should be banned from refueling in Russian ports, adds the text.

Cutting funds for military mobility was a mistake

MEPs say the European Council's decision to drastically cut funding for military mobility was a mistake that threatens Europe's security. They call on the Commission to find a solution to significantly increase the military mobility budget under the Connected Europe Facility program.

The EU should help member states develop dual-use infrastructure and transport links within the EU, but also with the Western Balkans, Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine, add MEPs. MEPs are also in favor of extending the trans-European transport network to Ukraine and Moldova.

MEPs also call on EU countries to support hotels and short-term rental services in the EU that host Ukrainian refugees. They ask the Commission to establish an EU temporary financial program to support tourism companies that hire people fleeing the war.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the current war have demonstrated the urgent need to establish an EU Tourism Agency and a European Crisis Management Mechanism. All this to respond adequately and quickly to large-scale crises such as pandemics, wars, humanitarian crises and the effects of climate change, say MEPs.