Know Your Rights as an EU Passenger Before You Travel As an EU citizen, you have comprehensive rights when traveling within the European Union. Understanding these rights can ensure a smooth, stress-free journey. Flight Delays and Cancellations * Delays: If your flight is delayed by more than 2 hours, you are entitled to assistance, such as food, drinks, and accommodation (if needed). * Cancellations: If your flight is canceled, you have the option of a refund, rerouting, or a replacement flight. Compensations may range from €250 to €600 depending on the distance of the flight. Denied Boarding * You are only entitled to compensation if you have a valid boarding pass and arrive at the gate on time. * If denied boarding due to overbooking, you are entitled to either a refund, rerouting, or a replacement flight. You may also receive compensation between €250 and €600. Lost or Damaged Luggage * You are entitled to compensation for lost or damaged luggage. The amount of compensation depends on the value of the items. * It is advisable to take out travel insurance to cover any unexpected expenses. Medical Assistance * If you require medical assistance during your journey, you are entitled to necessary treatment at the destination. * Costs will vary depending on the country you are visiting. Consider purchasing travel health insurance for additional coverage. Accessibility * EU passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility have the right to assistance at airports and on aircraft. * This includes access to wheelchair ramps, special seating, and priority boarding. Consumer Protection * You are protected by EU consumer law when purchasing travel services, such as flight tickets or package holidays. * This includes the right to information, redress in case of disputes, and fair contract terms. Specific Rights by Country In addition to the general EU passenger rights, there may be specific rights that apply in certain countries. For example: * Spain: Passengers are entitled to compensation for delays of more than 2 hours on domestic flights. * United Kingdom: Passengers can claim up to £530 for lost or damaged luggage on international flights. * France: Passengers have the right to a written explanation if their flight is canceled or delayed. How to Enforce Your Rights If your rights are violated, you can file a complaint with the airline, airport authority, or relevant consumer protection body. Stay Informed Before traveling, check the websites of your airline and the European Commission for the latest information on passenger rights. By knowing your rights, you can ensure that your EU travel experience is enjoyable and hassle-free.

Lahja Nashuuta

Lahja Nashuuta

The Deputy Minister for Urban and Rural Development, Evelyn !Nawases-Taeyele, has clarified that the ministry is not delaying the release of funds to regional councils and local authorities for their operations.

Responding to concerns raised by the Kunene Regional Council and local authorities, who claimed that their budgets had not yet been released, !Nawases-Taeyele emphasized that the budgets are not overdue.

According to the Local Authorities Act, the financial years for local authorities begin on July 1st and end on June 30th of the following year. Local authorities are required to submit their budget estimates to the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development (MURD) by May 30th of each year.

!Nawases-Taeyele explained that the MURD extended the deadline for local authorities to submit their budget estimates to June 21st, 2024, after consultation with regional and local authority councils.

As of July, the ministry had received 27 out of 39 budget estimates from local authorities. The estimates are currently being processed for approval by the minister.

In the meantime, Section 83(3) of the Local Authorities Act allows local authorities to spend up to 25% of the previous financial year’s budget during the three months following the start of the new financial year.

“Based on the above, the alleged delays in approving local authorities’ budgets for the financial year are obvious and devoid of any veracity,” said !Nawases-Taeyele.

Last week, four local authorities in Kunene told New Era that they were operating without a budget from MURD for the current financial year. The late approval and release of the budget, they claimed, hindered their ability to initiate procurement processes and implement development projects.

!Nawases-Taeyele reiterated that the ministry is working diligently to process the budget estimates and release the funds to local authorities as soon as possible.

For the current financial year, the MURD received a budget of N$1.6 billion, with N$120 million allocated for rural development.

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(MURDER)

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Know Your Rights as an EU Passenger Before You Travel As an EU citizen, you enjoy certain rights when traveling by air, rail, bus, or ship within the European Union (EU). These rights include: Compensation for Delays and Cancellations * Air travel: Compensation of up to €600 for delays over 3 hours, cancellations without notice, or denied boarding. * Rail travel: Compensation of up to 25% of the ticket price for delays over 60 minutes and up to 50% for delays over 120 minutes. * Bus travel: Compensation of up to €220 for delays over 2 hours and up to €440 for delays over 4 hours. * Ship travel: Compensation of up to 600 SDR (Special Drawing Rights) for delays over 90 minutes and up to 1200 SDR for delays over 180 minutes. Assistance in Case of Lost or Damaged Luggage * If your luggage is lost, damaged, or delayed, you may be entitled to compensation. The amount of compensation varies depending on the carrier and the type of luggage. Right to Care * In case of delays or cancellations, you have the right to food, drinks, accommodation, and, if necessary, transport to your final destination. Right to Information * Carriers must provide clear and timely information about disruptions, delays, and cancellations. Right to Refund * If your flight or train is canceled, you have the right to a full refund or alternative transportation. Who is Protected? These rights apply to all passengers traveling on EU-registered carriers departing from or arriving in an EU airport or station. They also apply to non-EU citizens traveling on EU-registered carriers within the EU. What to Do if Your Rights Are Violated? * File a complaint with the carrier. * Contact the relevant regulatory body (e.g., the Civil Aviation Authority in the UK). * Consider seeking legal advice. Before You Travel: * Familiarize yourself with your rights as an EU passenger. * Check carrier websites for specific terms and conditions. * Book your travel early to avoid disruptions. * Bring a copy of your travel documents and any relevant correspondence.