The first comprehensive European strategy for tourism, the first ever to be presented at the European level, was announced by the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, opening the proceedings of the 3rd Delphi Forum in Brussels, as tourism constitutes “the heart of our European economy and our culture”, as he said.

At the heart of the strategy will be the railway and the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), emphasizing the importance of its completion. “The completion of the railway network and the connection of Europe’s major cities with high-speed rail is an absolute priority for me, as it will reduce travel time.

For example, from Hamburg to Copenhagen, from 4 hours and 20 minutes today to just two and a half hours,” he said, underlining that citizens and businesses are ready to switch to rail, including night trains, as long as they are accessible, reliable and affordable.

“Citizens expect us to keep transport affordable,” said the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism. Presenting the European Commission’s strategy for sustainable transport and tourism for the period 2024-2029, the Commissioner stressed that 2025 will be a decisive year for shaping the future of these two sectors.

Referring to the environment that has been created, he underlined: “The COVID-19 pandemic and the return of war to Europe have shattered the stability that we took for granted for years.” At the same time, he added that the intensifying global competition, the climate crisis, the technological revolution, the challenges brought by divisive global politics, and the cost of living crisis make a coherent strategy necessary. “The aim for the next five years is to strengthen prosperity and competitiveness, defense and security for people, societies and our social model, quality of life, democracy and values”, shielding the European Union for the future. “In each of these priorities, transport and tourism play a decisive role and that is why these two sectors come with a huge responsibility, and I assure you, we are ready for it”.

The Commissioner announced the Strategic Dialogue on the future of the European Automotive Industry, which is being presented today by the European Commission. He underlined the importance of the sector and the jobs it provides, which have been a mainstay of the European economy, as this sector has made a huge contribution to Europe’s prosperity and also drives innovation, noting that the automotive industry is the largest private investor in research and development (R&D) in Europe, with vehicle exports exceeding imports by more than €100 billion. “The sector directly and indirectly accounts for 30 million jobs and 7% of European GDP. We will not let it collapse,” he said, announcing a European Industrial Action Plan to be presented by 2025.

Trust and accessibility in transport

As part of a new transport strategy, the Commissioner stressed the need to tackle geographical isolation and ensure universal access to transport. “All citizens in Europe, without exception, use some form of transport every day and expect us to keep it affordable, available and safe. We have a lot of work ahead of us, and 2025 will be a crucial year for the next five years for the Union and for all of us”, concluded Mr. Tzitzikostas.

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