On Monday evening, the Transport and Tourism Committee questioned Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Greek candidate for the sustainable transport and tourism portfolio.
The committee chair and political group coordinators will meet without delay to assess the performance and qualification of the Commissioner-designate.
Competitive transport, which respects environment
In his introductory speech, Mr Tzitzikostas stressed that if confirmed as Commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism he will focus on enhancing the competitiveness of the EU’s transport sector, sticking to the agreed timetable for its green and digital transitions, completing the Trans-European Transport (TEN-T) network by the established deadlines, enhancing transport safety, and ensuring the enforcement of current EU rules. To push for transport decarbonisation solutions, such as the production of sustainable fuels and the development of charging infrastructure, he committed to presenting a sustainable transport investment plan in 2025, while on competitiveness he pledged to develop an EU industrial action plan for automotive sector.
On the modal shift, the Commissioner-designate said he would present a plan to connect EU capitals and large cities by high-speed rail, including night trains. In addition, Mr Tzitzikostas committed to presenting a single digital booking and ticketing option for rail in the first year of his mandate.
On tourism, he said the EU must maintain its number one destination raking in the world. He committed to a strategy for sustainable tourism, to support the industry and preserve the well-being of local communities.
European solutions, working conditions, modal shift
Several MEPs asked the Commissioner-designate to support the EU’s transport and tourism sectors and look for solutions at the EU level. Cutting red tape, less reporting requirements and a pause on new proposals without undertaking an impact assessment were some of the demands presented by MEPs to Mr Tzitzikostas.
MEPs also asked questions on working conditions in the transport sector, especially in aviation and maritime, and secured a commitment from Mr Tzitzikostas for a comprehensive evaluation of the situation in this area within his first 100 days.
Members questioned Mr Tzitzikostas on the review of aviation service and air passenger right rules, the modal shift from road to rail, concrete proposals to encourage high-speed and night trains, the development of clean corporate fleet as well as additional measures to ensure transport safety.
Mr Tzitzikostas was also quizzed on specific measures to rescue the EU’s automotive industry, on financial support needed to complete the TEN-T network as well as plans to ensure maritime security and the disruption of Russia’s shadow vessels fleet.
You can watch the video recording of the full hearing here.
Press point
At the end of the hearing, the Chair of the Transport and Tourism Committee, Ms Elissavet Vozemberg, held a press point outside the meeting room: watch it here.
Next steps
Based on the committee recommendations, the Conference of Presidents (EP President Metsola and political group chairs) is set to conduct the final evaluation and declare the hearings closed on 21 November. Once the Conference of Presidents declares all hearings closed, the evaluation letters will be published.
The election by MEPs of the full college of Commissioners (by a majority of the votes cast, by roll-call) is currently scheduled to take place during the 25-28 November plenary session in Strasbourg.