The economy of the European Union will face serious consequences if the cloud of volcanic ash that has grounded airplanes across the continent does not dissipate soon, warned EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht.
"If the crisis lasts for a longer period, it will indeed pose a serious disruption to the economic life of Europe," De Gucht said in an interview with the Reuters news agency. He declined to provide specific estimates of the total damage incurred so far and warned that it is high time to restore economic flows. De Gucht emphasized that no decision has yet been made at the EU level regarding assistance to airlines under clauses that allow such aid in the event of natural disasters, and that airlines should request such assistance directly from their governments. (H)
