The European Travel Retail Council (ETRC) reports that it had an 'extremely constructive' meeting with the Vice President of the European Commission and Transport Commissioner, Antonio Tajani earlier this week to discuss future EU security

policy on liquids and gels and its impact upon the duty free industry.

ETRC Chairman, Frank O'Connell and senior MEPs from all the major political groups of the European Parliament met with Tajani to discuss the so called European Commission Roadmap for the lifting of liquids restrictions in European airports in line with ETRC's drive to ensure that there is no unnecessary delay in solving the problems for passengers entering the EU who purchase liquids from duty free shops.

According to ETRC, Commissioner Tajani informed the group that he and his officials were working hard towards a solution, and that he planned to fully consult with all sides of industry and with the European Parliament prior to taking any decisive action. At the same time, the Commissioner invited the ETRC to participate fully in any consultation process.

Tajani apparently confirmed that solving the duty free problem is still one of his main priorities, and that passenger facilitation and getting business back to normal will be fundamental to any future legislation.

Frank O'Connell said: ‘The meeting was extremely constructive and we are grateful to Vice President Tajani and his officials for the continuing priority they give to our issue. I offered the Commissioner the full co-operation of the ETRC in the consultation process and in early September the ETRC will make concrete proposals on how to solve this problem.’