Dutch ECR MEP Peter van Dalen considers the measures taken in the aftermath of the Icelandic volcano eruption to be too strict. Opening up airspace is a priority if we want European businesses to thrive.

Closing airspace 'too rigid and not necessary' according to MEP van Dalen

Peter van Dalen: are you happy with the   way this affair has been handled?

No not enough, you see there was a lack   of coordination between Member States

on the closing of airspace and   passengers were not informed properly,

and had to wait a long time   before receiving information.

Some states were looking at the same   data with different conclusions?

Well, that's not the case, there is one   advisory body in Europe:

Eurocontrol advises   Member States what to do.

They advised to close the   whole airspace above Europe.

What worries businesses is that Europe   could be closed for the near future.

That's why there's a working party   led by Mr Kallas.

to compare satellite pictures   and results of test flights.

we can close a certain part   and another part we leave open

for certain corridors   and conditions, such as daylight.

What's the knock-on effect   on the EP's legislative programme?

We should have had votes   this week in the EP

That's the most difficult thing we face,   that voting is postponed.

300 MEPs aren't here, it's surprising   that doesn't have an effect.

Well I hope it has one effect   that we stop coming to Strasbourg