European airlines already have plenty of worries to concern them - from rising fuel prices, passenger taxes and the Emissions Trading System (ETS). However, the current hottest subject of debate among European regional carriers is proposed amendments to European Commission (EC) Regulation 261/2004 which establishes common rules on compensation and assistance to air passengers flying from or within the EU or into the EU on a European carrier in the event of cancellation or flight delays. In force since 17 February 2005, EC 261 has been the subject of much criticism by airlines, particularly with regard to uncertaincy as to the conditions under which it applies and a lack of consistency in its enforcement across the European Union (EU).
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