The European Union has transitioned to a new Commission mandate as of December 1, 2024, under the leadership of Greek Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas, who is responsible for ‘Sustainable Transport and Tourism.’ This change is expected to bring about significant shifts in the business travel industry.

The new mandate emphasizes two main areas: environmental competitiveness and digital transformation. Commissioner Tzitzikostas plans to focus on enhancing passenger rights and promoting zero-emission mobility to meet the EU’s goal of climate neutrality by 2050. The business travel industry is anticipated to see changes, particularly in sustainable aviation fuels, electromobility, and transparency regarding emissions.

Another key change is the introduction of the Single Digital Booking and Ticketing Regulation by the end of 2025. This new regulation will simplify the booking process, allowing travelers to book cross-border train travel through a single platform, which could make travel logistics more manageable and efficient for business travelers.

The European Commission’s priorities align with the Global Business Travel Association’s (GBTA) advocacy for sustainable, efficient, and passenger-centric business travel. However, these changes also present challenges, especially in terms of staying competitive globally. The EU’s commitment to sustainability means businesses must adapt to green initiatives and provide transparency regarding emissions swiftly.

The proposed policies enhancing passenger rights and single booking systems could redefine the travel experience. However, their success will depend on their smooth and effective implementation.

The EU needs to maintain a delicate balance between achieving decarbonization goals and ensuring industries remain globally competitive. This means the business travel industry will require robust infrastructure, predictable regulations, and support for innovation.

The business travel sector must take a proactive approach to thrive in this changing landscape. GBTA and its members are working closely with policymakers to shape legislation supporting safe, sustainable, and seamless travel.

The key priorities for the coming years include speeding up single-ticket and multimodal travel proposals, expanding the adoption of transparent emissions metrics across all transport types, and advocating for infrastructure investments to support low-carbon travel and resilient connectivity.

The new European Commission mandate offers both challenges and opportunities. By prioritizing collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, the business travel sector can continue contributing to Europe’s economy and leading the global transition to a greener, more connected world.

Discover more at GBTA.