Civil aviation security: EU-wide rules

KEY POINTS

Common basic standards for protecting civil aviation

These standards include, for example:

• the screening of passengers and cabin baggage to stop prohibited articles, such as weapons and explosives, being carried on board aircraft;
• the hold luggage (luggage that passengers check in) also being screened before loading;
• airport security (e.g. controlled access to different areas of airports, staff screening and checking of vehicles, along with surveillance and patrols to prevent unauthorised people from entering certain areas);
• the protection of aircraft and aircraft security checks or searches before departure to ensure that no prohibited articles are on board;
• security controls for cargo and mail before being loaded onto aircraft;
• security controls for airport supplies (i.e. supplies intended to be sold in duty-free shops and restaurants) and in-flight supplies (e.g. food and drink for passengers);
• staff recruitment and training;
• security equipment performance checks (i.e. equipment used for screening and access controls complies with defined specifications and is capable of performing the security controls concerned).

In November 2015, the European Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998. It laid down detailed measures for the implementation of these security standards and repealed a previous regulation (Regulation (EU) No 185/2010) that had been amended more than 20 times. Since its adoption, Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998 has itself been amended several times.

The amendments modify the list of non-EU countries recognised as applying equivalent standards to those of the EU, and introduce new rules regarding:

• airport security;
• aircraft security;
• the screening of liquids, aerosols and gels, hold baggage, cargo and mail, and in-flight supplies;
• staff recruitment and training;
• security equipment;
• background checks to enhance security culture and resilience;
• performance standards;
• the use of shoe explosive detection equipment and explosive vapour detection equipment.

Obligations on EU Member States and on airports and operators

Member States must:

• designate a single authority responsible for aviation security;
• set up a national civil aviation security programme to define responsibilities for implementing the common basic standards;
• set up a national quality control programme to check the quality of civil aviation security.

Airports, air carriers and related entities must:

• define and implement a security programme;
• ensure internal quality control.

Commission inspections

The Commission carries out inspections in cooperation with national authorities, including unannounced inspections of airports, air carriers and other relevant persons or businesses. Any shortcomings must be remedied by the national authority. National authorities are responsible for primary quality control and enforcement, and therefore must carry out audits and inspections of airports, air carriers and other relevant persons or businesses.

Recognition of equivalent aviation security standards with non-EU countries

The EU may recognise non-EU countries’ aviation security standards as equivalent to EU standards to allow a one-stop security system. This means, for example, that passengers arriving at EU airports and transferring to other destinations would no longer need to be re-screened. This would result in faster connection times, lower costs and greater convenience for travellers. One-stop security is one of the objectives of EU aviation security legislation.

Implementation reports

Every year, the Commission publishes a report on the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 300/2008. The latest report, covering 2023, was published in December 2024.