More funds for military mobility, EU’s automotive industry and rail, were some of the Transport Committee MEPs demands addressed to Commissioner Tzitzikostas on 19 February 2025.
In a first debate in EP’s Transport and Tourism Committee after his confirmation hearing last November, Sustainable Transport and Tourism Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas outlined the main 2025 EU transport policy initiatives. To bring back the competiveness of car industry he revealed that on 5 March the Commission would present an action plan for Europe’s automotive sector, building on input from automotive dialogue launched three weeks ago. Commissioner Tzitzikostas also promised to come up with a Sustainable Transport Investment plan after the summer break. It will cover measures to boost investments in alternative fuels production and the accelerated roll-out of recharging and refuelling infrastructure, he said.
He also promised to present maritime industrial strategy, port strategy and sustainable tourism strategy by the end of 2025. On rail sector, Commissioner Tzitzikostas followed-up on his promise to present a plan to connect EU capitals and large cities by high-speed rail and said he envision to do it still this year. He also said that the Commission is working on three new rules to be presented in 2025, that would make sure rail passengers can buy a cross border ticket in one click and enjoy full protection in case of delay or cancellations.
Transport MEPs broadly supported the ambitious programme. Some of them urged to better reflect a new security situation after Munich security conference and ensure more funds for military mobility in 2028-2034 EU budget. Commissioner Tzitzikostas shared this concern, highlighting that a current 1.7 billion euro military mobility budget was spend three year ahead of time, while the real need stands at 70 billion euro. He promised to fight for the increase of EU funds for cross border transport infrastructure projects under Connecting Europe Facility, hinting the total funding need of 200 billion euro.
Many MEPs were interested in Europe’s automotive industry action plan, with some asking to review congestion engine ban, avoid sanctioning industry for not meeting the CO2 targets in 2025, but also taking into account the needs of heavy duty vehicles, spare parts industry and single and medium companies. Some MEPs supported new focus on tourism, single digital booking and high-speed rail initiatives, others asked for a follow-up on a possible proposal to safeguard working conditions in transport sector.
For more information, please see here.