EU is moving ahead with a major update to its package travel rules. This overhaul delivers one of the biggest boosts to traveler protection in years. It comes at a time when people across Europe want clearer rights after long periods of canceled trips, slow refunds, and confusing policies.
The new rules aim to bring more transparency and fairness. The EU wants travelers to get fast refunds, clear information before they book, and the ability to cancel a trip without fees when serious and unexpected events make travel impossible.
A central part of the reform focuses on cancellation rights. Under the new system, travelers can cancel without penalty when unavoidable emergencies occur.
Officials will review each case on its own, which gives travelers flexibility and protects them during events like natural disasters or sudden political unrest.
The EU is also tightening refund rules for package travel. When a tour operator cancels a package trip, the traveler must receive a refund within 14 days.
Vouchers remain an option, but only if the traveler agrees to them. Every voucher must match the full cash value of the refund, so no traveler feels pressured to accept a weaker offer.
The new framework also raises the standard for clear information. Tour operators must give travelers simple, complete details before any booking.
This includes payment options, passport and visa needs, cancellation costs, and accessibility information for people with limited mobility.
The goal is straightforward: remove confusion and let travelers make informed choices without surprises later.
EU governments and the European Parliament have reached a political agreement. The next step is formal approval. After that, each member state will have 28 months to bring the rules into national law.
The European Commission began pushing for this reform in late 2023, noting that the old rules struggled during recent crises.
Many see this reform as a direct response to the chaos during the pandemic, when refunds slowed and cancellation rules were unclear.
Because travel still faces shocks from extreme weather, global tensions, and supply-chain issues, EU lawmakers argue that strong and predictable rules are essential.
These changes aim to rebuild trust and make package holidays safer and more reliable for everyone.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
© Copyright – GreekReporter.com

source