The European Commission on Tourism issued a statement on Thursday (March 3rd) condemning Russia’s military action and expressing solidarity with the people of Ukraine and its readiness to provide assistance to Ukrainian refugees.
“The main principle of the commission, which represents the national tourism organizations of Europe, is to promote travel as a catalyst for peace, understanding and respect. This initial mission is as relevant today as it was when our organization was established more than 70 years after the end of World War II. “We remain committed to ensuring that travel continues to build bridges between different cultures and people,” the travel council said in a statement.
The organization announced that it is ready to provide transport, housing and food to Ukrainian refugees. In addition, the Lithuanian authorities have launched a website and a hotline for Ukrainian refugees who need advice on moving to Vilnius (Lithuania). On the other hand, Airbnb, as an associate member of the commission, offered free housing to 100,000 Ukrainians who have already left Ukrainian territory.
As for European train and aircraft operators, they also announced assistance, offering free travel to Ukrainian refugees:
- They can use the railways free of charge in Poland and other EU countries, namely Hungary, Germany, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. All you need is a Ukrainian passport.
- In Vienna (Austria) there is free travel on public transport for Ukrainians.
- Ukrainian refugees were exempted from public transport tolls in the Netherlands and Prague (Czech Republic).
- In addition, low-cost carrier Wizz Air offered Ukrainians 100,000 free tickets valid until the end of March.
According to the European Commission, the conflict in Ukraine will have a negative impact on the travel and tourism sector of neighboring countries, which have only just begun to recover from the damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
“ETC is working with the European Commission and other stakeholders in Europe to mitigate short- and medium-term impacts and support victims. Travel is the power of the world on the path to a better future, and nothing should stop it. European destinations remain safe for travel, “the statement said.
The European Commission also proposed to activate the directive on temporary protection for the prompt acceptance of Ukrainian refugees in a simplified manner. “Today, the European Commission is proposing to activate the directive on temporary protection in order to offer quick and effective assistance to people fleeing the Russian military operation in Ukraine. According to this proposal, those fleeing from it will be provided with temporary protection in the EU, which means providing them with a residence permit and access to education and the labor market, “the text reads.
In addition, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is another agency that warns that European countries will feel the effects of the situation in Ukraine. IATA also said the circumstances would have a strong impact on tourists’ confidence in travel and economic activity, adding that the impact on airline costs, including frequent changes in energy prices or airlines avoiding Russian airspace, could affect a 27-nation bloc.