This article offers a
critical review of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 from the viewpoint of a legal
practitioner. In November 2023, a new proposal for a Regulation of the European
Parliament and of the Council amending Regulations (EC) No 261/2004, (EC) No
1107/2006, (EU) No 1177/2010, (EU) No 181/2011 and (EU) 2021/782 as regards
enforcement of passenger rights in the Union was published and a Proposal for
an amendment of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 has recently been discussed. This
is good time to take a closer look at the European Passenger Rights Regulation,
to reflect on experiences and to revisit the problems that have emerged over
the past twenty years. In light of the recently proposed reforms, this article
seeks to move beyond theoretical discussions by highlighting key shortcomings
and identifying the most pressing areas in need of improvement.