Green MEP for Dublin, Ciarán Cuffe, today welcomed the announcement today that the European Commission is taking the first step in legal procedures against countries that are breaching EU law by not insisting that companies provide cash refunds to customers over cancelled travel or holidays due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Under EU law passengers are entitled to a refund if their flight has been cancelled, although they can agree to a voucher if they so wish. The Commission had recently come under pressure from airlines and travel companies to relax these regulations.Speaking today Ciarán Cuffe MEP said: “I’m glad to see that the Commission did not yield to the pressure put on it by airlines, and has taken the decision to protect the rights of the travelling public. This is a difficult time for airlines, but it’s also an extremely difficult time for customers too and it is only fair that Commissioner Vestager has told airlines that they must play by the rules and issue refunds rather than force customers to accept vouchers. “It is now crucial that airlines and travel companies outline procedures for issuing refunds to customers in a clear and timely manner.”ENDS