After being designated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas was questioned by the Transport and Tourism (TRAN) Committee in the European Parliament to assess his performance and qualification as future Commissioner.
1. Hearing
In his introductory speech, 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.
Tzitzikostas was approved by the Committee with 39 votes in favour, 2 against and 3 abstentions. Based on this recommendation, 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 is currently scheduled to take place during the 25-28 November plenary session in Strasbourg.
2. Industry response
The travel and tourism industry is eager to have Tzitzikostas confirmed as a Commissioner and has welcomed his remarks during the hearing.
Hotrec, the umbrella association for European hospitality, said Tzitzikostas “outlined an ambitious vision, focusing on sustainable tourism that promotes both vibrant tourism activities as well as the development of effective flow management strategy”, adding that it is “particularly pleased with the objective to work upon clearer targeted budget line for tourism, which will help provide much-needed resources for the sector’s growth and resilience.”
The European Travel Commission (ETC) has also congratulated Tzitzikostas for his approval by the TRAN Committee, saying he “brings an inspiring vision to sustain Europe’s place as the world’s leading travel destination, with a strong commitment to sustainability and resilience.”
“We are especially excited about his focus on destination management and promoting alternative destinations and diverse travel experiences – crucial steps toward more balanced tourism flows and benefits across the continent. These priorities align fully with ETC’s mission and strategic goals”, the ETC wrote on LinkedIn.
3. Background
One person from each of the 27 Member States of the European Union, except Germany, which is already represented by von der Leyen as President, is entrusted with a portfolio of responsibilities as Commissioner. Tzitzikostas’ designation represents the first time the tourism industry has ever been recognised in the title of a European Commissioner.
Until now, tourism has been on the list of responsibilities of Commissioners for Transport. In the last College, in the mission letter from von der Leyen to Commissioners for Transport Adina Vălean, tourism fell on the last spot of a 12-point duty mission: “I want you to cooperate closely with the Commissioner for Internal Market on a sustainable and competitive tourism industry.”
Now, in the letter to Tzitzikostas, tourism is the third point of 17: “You will intensify the Union’s efforts to promote a resilient and competitive tourism sector, in line with the EU Agenda for Tourism 2030.”
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.
