THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE EU PACKAGE TRAVEL DIRECTIVE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to analyze the effectiveness of the EU Package Travel Directive during the COVID-19 pandemic. First, the paper depicts the legal regime under Council Directive 90/314/EEC of 13 June 1990 on package travel, package holidays and package tours as well as Directive (EU) 2015/2302 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2015 on package travel and linked travel arrangements. The comparison of both EU Package Travel Directives shows both some similarities and differences from the perspective of travellers’ rights. Furthermore, the paper offers justification of the actions taken by the EU Member States in the face of COVID-19 pandemic, using the EU report on the application of the 2015 Package Travel Directive. Finally, the paper exhibits case law relating to tourism that evolved as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The reported cases are pending before the Court of Justice of the European Union, which means that all EU Member States are still waiting for the final judgement. The author supports the views presented by Advocate General Laila Medina and strongly believes that the protection of tourists will be continued.