Europeans enjoy travelling, booking more than one billion holidays every year. Especially in times like this, during the summer months, as many as half of all citizens in the European Union go on at least one trip.

Thanks to EU consumer protection rules, many people booking package holidays can travel to their chosen destinations with peace of mind: they know, for example, that they will be able to go home, even if the travel agent that booked their flights, hotels and car rentals goes bust.

The European Commission wants to extend this protection to many more holidaymakers. However, a year after it put a proposal for a reform on the table, the new rules have still not become law.

The European Parliament gave its strong backing to the proposal in March this year. Now it is for member states to find an agreement.

I am therefore urging the ministers in charge to be ambitious and keep working on this reform. European citizens deserve to have these new rules in place as soon as possible.

Why do we need a reform?

While the rules in force today allow millions of EU citizens to enjoy stress-free holidays, they date from 1990.

Since then, the way people book their holidays has changed significantly.

In the past, most Europeans used to pick out a pre-arranged package deal from a brochure and booked it at their local travel agent.

Nowadays, more and more consumers are using the internet to put their travel arrangements together themselves.

EU package travel rules have to be fit for the digital age – and citizens need to know what their rights are

Around 23 per cent of travellers book traditional package holidays, but 20 per cent now opt for ‘new packages’ by choosing a tailor-made trip online. For example, they might book their flights and a hotel from one operator and rent their car via another website. However, they are often unaware of what level of protection they are entitled to if something goes wrong. That is why we need to update the rules to keep pace with this changing market.

EU package travel rules have to be fit for the digital age – and citizens need to know what their rights are.

What benefits will the new rules bring?

The reform put forward by the Commission will achieve just that.

The estimated 120 million consumers who buy customised travel arrangements will be better protected, especially when purchasing online.

They will know what type of product they are buying and what kind of protection is included in their travel arrangements.

They will also benefit from stricter controls and increased transparency on price increases that occur after they have signed a contract.

Moreover, the reform will make it clearer which party is liable if something goes wrong. Travellers will also enjoy additional cancellation rights, for example, in case of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances at the destination, as well as improved access to redress.

For the first time, consumers will be able to claim compensation EU-wide for any ‘immaterial damage’ suffered, such as for a spoilt holiday.

What is more, businesses will also benefit.

The reform will cut red tape and create a level playing field by ensuring that national insolvency protection schemes are recognised across borders.

But before EU citizens can enjoy these new rules, the European Parliament and member states have to agree on a final text.

I am calling on ministers to move swiftly.

If they reach an agreement in the autumn, it will be possible to conclude negotiations and adopt the new rules by early next year.

In this way, very soon even more EU consumers can enjoy their holidays to the fullest, knowing exactly what kind of safety net they can rely on during the most precious time of the year.

Martine Reicherts is European Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship.

Lino Spiteri’s column is not appearing this week.