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A Deutsche Bahn train is standing in the snow
Photo: Jens B¸ttner / picture alliance / dpa
Rail travelers will no longer receive any compensation in the future if their train is delayed due to a storm, for example.
In Brussels, the EU Parliament and member states have agreed on a corresponding reform of passenger rights.
EU states and the European Parliament have to agree to this provisional agreement again, but this is a matter of form.
According to the Council of Member States, the compromise contains a clause on force majeure which exempts railway undertakings from their obligation to pay compensation "in special circumstances".
Such a clause for "extreme weather conditions, major natural disasters or major public health crises" was requested by the transport ministers.
Federal Minister Andreas Scheuer (CSU) in particular spoke out in favor of harmonizing the requirements for compensation for rail and air travel.
Parliament was against it, but could not prevail in the negotiations.
In other areas, too, the agreement fell short of the demands of the MEPs.
For example, they had demanded a significant increase in the compensation to be paid in the event of delay.
The agreement now provides for a reimbursement of 25 percent of the ticket price for a delay of one hour or more and 50 percent of two hours or more - this corresponds to the previous regulation of Deutsche Bahn.
According to the agreement, there are small improvements for travel for people with disabilities and reduced mobility.
In a few years, all trains should also be equipped with bicycle compartments.
The Green MEP Anna Deparnay-Grunenberg was disappointed overall.
"Parliament was only able to assert itself selectively with its progressive demands".
The force majeure clause, however, is a "clear step backwards" in consumer protection.
"In my opinion, we have missed the opportunity to make rail travel really more attractive," said CSU MP Markus Ferber.
"Very significant weakening of rights"
The Federation of German Consumer Organizations (vzbv) complained about a "very significant" weakening of the rights of rail passengers at a crucial point.
"The railway companies can simply reject claims for compensation for train cancellations and delays with reference to the new force majeure clause," explained vzbv boss Klaus Müller.
"Whether customers get money depends on the companies' discretion," he criticized.
"The previous legal security for consumers would then be obsolete.
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bah / dpa / AFP
