Ryanair has applauded the hand-luggage file and Consumer has accused the EU of 'defending airlines'
The European Commission has questioned the 179 million sanctions imposed by the Spanish Government on five low-cost airlines, while consumers and Minister Bustinduy have denounced Brussels's' submission 'to pressure from the air sector.
Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary applauds the European Commission's decision to open infringement proceedings against Spain. Ryanair says that "Spanish legislation must be brought into line with European law and not the other way around." The Ministry of Consumer Affairs imposed almost a year ago fines of 179 million euros on Ryanair, Vueling, EasyJet, Norwegian and Volotea companies for collecting supplements for hand luggage.
Brussels considers that the Spanish Air Navigation Act restricts the freedom of companies to set prices and gives Madrid two months to respond. If the Spanish Government does not change its rules, the Commission may refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
The Spanish reaction has been immediate. The Minister for Social Rights, Consumption and the 2030 Agenda, Pablo Bustinduy, has described it as' regrettable 'that the Commission' has become a defence lawyer for sanctioned airlines', accusing Brussels of 'surrendering to the powerful'. Bustinduy has stated that the government will maintain sanctions and defend before the EU Court of Justice that the collection of hand luggage is an abusive activity and violates passengers' rights .
The Federation of Consumers and Users (CECU) has also strongly criticised the conduct of Brussels. Its Director, David Sánchez, has lamented the fact that the Commission has been placed 'on the side of companies and not consumers' and has warned that 'hand luggage now appears to be a luxury product'. He also recalled that a 2014 judgment by the EU Court of Justice considered hand luggage to be an essential part of air transport, provided that it complies with reasonable measures.
On the other hand, the Association of Airlines (ALA) welcomes the Commission's decision that it 'guarantees the freedom of companies to set the prices of their services' and that consumer sanctions' are unjustified '. In its view, the dossier shows that Spain' abused itself when it imposed a unilateral sanction contrary to European law '.
The initial Brussels dossier could be extended for months. If there is no agreement, the Commission will issue a reasoned opinion and can refer the case to the EU Court of Justice. Meanwhile, the clash between airlines, consumers and the Spanish Government has once again sparked debate as to whether hand luggage is a fundamental right of the passenger or an additional service to be paid for.
You might like
The maximum income for access to protected rental housing will be increased to €46,463
The Basque Government will approve tomorrow, with the Decree on Urgent Measures , the "social shield" in the area of housing . Among other things, the fee to be received by the owners will be 700 euros and higher in tense areas.
LAB will call for measures to ensure a "decent life" in housing, public services, pensions and wages
He has called 26 demonstrations for the First of May and has denounced that Pradales "has become a more antisocial and authoritarian copy of Urkullu."
Talgo has signed a $756 million contract to produce a new railway fleet in Sweden
With this contract, Talgo's order book has reached EUR 6.5 billion, the highest in its history.
The doctors at Donostia Hospital and Txagorritxu will not be overtime in the afternoon shift from today
On the other hand, the Zumarraga Hospital will join the protest from 27 April and the hospitals in Bizkaia from 27 May. They have decided to take this new step in view of the fact that the strike in force "has not caused any anger".
Oil has risen more than 5%, to $95, and European stock exchanges are expected to fall
The conflict between the United States and Iran has escalated again in the early hours of this Monday, affecting the price of oil. Tension has increased in the Strait of Hormuz when the US struck an Iranian cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman that was trying to overcome the blockade imposed by Washington on Iranian ports.
Doctors at Zumarraga Hospital won't do overtime in the evenings from April 27
This is a new "pressure measure" promoted by the United Medical Organization for its Rights (MUD), which is in addition to the monthly strike by doctors with the aim of achieving a framework statute and, at the same time, making improvements that can already be implemented by the Autonomous Communities.
They call for investments in Bilbao and Vitoria to prevent the dismantling of public health
Public healthorganizations 68 have held demonstrations in Bilbao and Vitoria-Gasteiz with the support of EH Bildu, Podemos and Sumar and various trade unions, in which they have also called forthe resignation of Health Counsellor Alberto Martínez .
ELA, LAB and ESK Trade unions will challenge the ERE of Tubos Reunidos
Another Friday, the workers of Tubos Reunidos have demonstrated in Amurrio and the members of the works council have expressed their disappointment at the decision of the Labour Inspectorate. Three unions, ELA, LAB and ESK, have already announced that they will challenge the ERE next week.
The GDP of the Basque Country recorded an annual growth of 2.2 per cent in the first quarter, an increase of 0.5 per cent over the previous quarter
The Basque economy has maintained its growth rate in 2026, driven by construction and services.
The Basque Government sees "some comfort" in the health negotiations and fears the consequences for assistance
The Health Adviser, Alberto Martínez, has warned of the difficulties that the situation creates for patients and citizens and has called for greater responsibility on the part of the parties involved. He has acknowledged that he has no information or participation in theongoing negotiations. He has warned that this situation is creating uncertainty and difficulties for patients and the care system.