Alternate require at planning stage
I was a bit disappointed to see this one dropping down the page because I find the wording rather ambiguous as well.
Don't blame originator for quoting from EU OPS because it's a lot easier to navigate around than the new EASA stuff.
From what I have seen the wording in EASA is pretty much identical, but still is open ended as to what other ERA may be required at the planning stage. Only a guess but it may be that it is simply a catch-all phrase to cover any eventualities.
My experience of SAFA checks is that they look for Alternates and ERAs on the flight plan and then check to make sue you have the appropriate weather for those airports.
Any ideas anyone?