EU Transport

@EU_Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility & Transport (DG MOVE) – follow for all things #EUTransport & #EUTourism.

🇪🇺 Commissioner: @tzitzikostas

[Apostolos Tzitzikostas @tzitzikostas]

🇰🇿🤝🇪🇺 Today in Brussels, I signed with Kazakhstan’s Minister of Transport, Nurlan Sauranbayev, the new Horizontal Aviation Agreement between the European Union and Kazakhstan, in the presence of the President of the European Commission, @vonderleyen, the @eucopresident Antonio Costa and the President of Kazakhstan @TokayevKZ.

This milestone will lead to stronger cooperation and better connectivity between our regions, bringing our people and economies closer together.

Today, we open a new chapter of partnership and connectivity, creating new opportunities for growth, investment, and exchange for our citizens and businesses.

[Apostolos Tzitzikostas @tzitzikostas]

Αt the European Defence & Security Summit in Brussels, I stressed that military mobility is no longer just a transport issue—it is a strategic pillar of Europe’s security and deterrence.

A stronger Europe requires faster movement, more resilient infrastructure, closer coordination, and the ability to respond swiftly in times of crisis. By investing in military mobility and protecting critical transport networks, we are strengthening both our security and our preparedness for the challenges ahead.

Europe must be ready, resilient and united. And the time is now!

[Apostolos Tzitzikostas @tzitzikostas]

At the launch of the Connectivity Agenda Platform in Brussels, I highlighted the growing strategic importance of transport connectivity in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.

Strong transport corridors, efficient border procedures, digitalisation and common standards are essential for building more resilient supply chains, strengthening economic ties, and creating new opportunities for growth across Europe and its partner regions.

Stronger connectivity means stronger competitiveness, stronger resilience and stronger partnerships.

[Apostolos Tzitzikostas @tzitzikostas]

Today in Berlin, we marked an important milestone for European rail with the launch of the new direct rail connection between Prague🇨🇿, Berlin🇩🇪 and Copenhagen🇩🇰.

Once the infrastructure upgrades are completed, travel times will be dramatically reduced:

🚄 Copenhagen – Berlin: just 4 hours
🚄 Berlin – Prague: just 2 hours 15 minutes

This is more than just a new railway service. It’s another step toward bringing Europeans closer together. With more than €1.5 billion invested through the Connecting Europe Facility, Europe is investing in better connections for its citizens—making travel faster, easier and more sustainable.

Learn more 👉 https://t.co/Ote34F41YH

#ConnectingEurope #TEN_T

[Apostolos Tzitzikostas @tzitzikostas]

It’s a great day for travellers and airlines!✈️🧳🇪🇺

After 13 years of negotiations, we have reached an agreement on strengthening EU air passenger rights.

This agreement shows that Europe can deliver practical solutions that benefit both citizens and businesses.

✅ Clearer rules on delays and compensation. Passengers will still be entitled to compensation if their flight is delayed by more than three hours.
✅ Greater transparency on fares and hand baggage charges. Tickets will have one price with hand luggage and one without.
✅ Passengers cannot be forced to stay in an aircraft in case of extended delay before departure.
✅ Children under 14 can sit next to their accompanying adult at no extra cost.
✅ Stronger rights and protections for passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility.
✅ End of the “no-show” rule for return flights. Passengers who miss their departure flight will still be able to use their return flight without paying extra fees.
✅ Claiming compensation will be easier, with simpler procedures and clear deadlines.
✅ It will be clearer when airlines are not required to pay compensation due to extraordinary circumstances.
✅ Airlines will be required to provide better information about passengers’ rights.

I would like to thank the European Parliament and the Council, as well as Minister @AlexisVafeades, President @RobertaMetsola, MEPs @AndreyNovakov, @VSinkevicius and the shadow rapporteurs for their commitment and determination in bringing these negotiations to a successful conclusion.

👉 Find out what’s changing for air travellers in Europe: https://t.co/PV0U30oaLU

#EUTransport #AirPaxRights

[Ursula von der Leyen @vonderleyen]

I was heartbroken to learn of the tragic accident between a train and a school bus in Buggenhout today.

My deepest condolences go out to the victims’ families and their loved ones.

Today, Europe grieves with Belgium.

[Apostolos Tzitzikostas @tzitzikostas]

The future of European tourism cannot be built without the voice of the younger generation.

#youthdialogue #eutourism 🇪🇺

[Apostolos Tzitzikostas @tzitzikostas]

One journey. One ticket. Full rights for the passengers. 🇪🇺🚆

🙅 No more fragmented tickets or complicated bookings when travelling across Europe. Today I presented, together with EVP @RaffaeleFitto, our new Passenger Package — a clear step forward towards making rail travel in Europe simpler, fairer and truly seamless.

✔️ One ticket across operators and borders
✔️ Full passenger rights from start to end
✔️ Clearer, simpler booking
✔️ A fairer and more open ticketing market

#ConnectingEurope #PassengerPackage

[Ursula von der Leyen @vonderleyen]

From Berlin to Barcelona by train.

Today cross-country journeys mean several bookings and risks if you miss a connection.

Let's change that.

With one ticket and full passenger rights all along your journey.

That‘s our new passenger package.

https://t.co/0V3WkkvMIu

[Energy4Europe 🇪🇺 @Energy4Europe]

Today the Commission published new guidance to help alleviate impacts of the Middle East crisis on EU's aviation sector ✈️.

It is a key deliverable of the AccelerateEU plan.

More details 🔗 https://t.co/e7lvO5rBzS

[Apostolos Tzitzikostas @tzitzikostas]

Brussels this week: aviation at the center of Europe’s future! 🛫🇪🇺

As keynote speaker at the @A4Europe Summit and the @clean_aviation Forum, I highlighted the critical role of European aviation amid rising geopolitical challenges and rapid technological change.

I also talked about the new EU aviation strategy, that I will present later this year, aimed at positioning Europe at the forefront of clean aviation through innovation, advanced manufacturing, and cutting-edge technologies — from AI to automation.

I also had meetings with industry leaders, including the heads of @Airbus, @BoeingAirplanes, @lufthansa, @airfrance, and @AirlinesDotOrg, strengthening the dialogue on Europe’s strategic autonomy and competitiveness.

Aviation is not just transport — it is a pillar of growth, security, and strategic strength and that is why Europe will move forward with speed and ambition.

[Apostolos Tzitzikostas @tzitzikostas]

The free and secure passage through vital maritime routes is a fundamental principle of international law and a cornerstone of global economic stability.

The EU unequivocally condemns any actions or threats aimed at closing, obstructing, or otherwise interfering with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

https://t.co/A3R2XeHjDJ

#middle_east

[European Commission @EU_Commission]

We are actively coordinating repatriation flights from the Middle East through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

We've already supported EU countries with 6 flights, bringing citizens safely to 🇧🇬, 🇮🇹, 🇦🇹, and 🇸🇰.

We're planning more flights in the coming days ⇣

https://t.co/HbMtSVcNyE

[Apostolos Tzitzikostas @tzitzikostas]

🛳️🇪🇺 Europe has a proud history in shipping. The EU-controlled fleet remains the largest in the world, and ships and ports keep our economies competitive and safeguard our quality of life, carrying €1.07 trillion in EU exports every year.

[EASA @EASA]

EASA has issued a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB) for the Middle East and Persian Gulf. The CZIB is initially valid until Monday March 2 and will then be reviewed. https://t.co/2uLBXsWsLx

[Apostolos Tzitzikostas @tzitzikostas]

❄️🚢 In Finland, breaking the ice isn’t just an expression — it’s a mission, essential not only for trade and mobility, but also for Europe’s security and defence readiness.

Today, I witnessed firsthand, together with Finland’s Minister of Transport and Communications, Lula @LuluRanne, the remarkable work carried out by a Finnish icebreaker, in the Baltic Sea.

Through the Connecting Europe Facility, we are building a transport network that is efficient, resilient and high-performing across the continent — from southern ports to the northern sea lanes of the Baltic Sea and the Arctic.

Maintaining and strengthening icebreaking capacity is part of ensuring that this network serves Europe and all Europeans. 🇫🇮🇪🇺

[Apostolos Tzitzikostas @tzitzikostas]

🇪🇺✈️ The European Union was the first in the world to establish clear rules for drones. Today, with the Action Plan for Drones Security we are taking a step further, because the world around us has changed. Drones are increasingly being used for malicious purposes, while airports and critical infrastructure are often targeted by attacks.

🔹 What is changing with our new Plan?

💪 We strengthen the identification and accountability of drone operators
🎥 We close compliance gaps — especially for small camera-equipped drones
🙅 We ensure that no drone takes off if its operator cannot be identified
❌ We introduce concrete initiatives to prevent the accidental or unlawful entry of drones into sensitive or high-risk zones
🛡️ We establish a European reliability label, complementing the existing aviation safety and cybersecurity framework

Our goal is clear: security, safety, transparency, and accountability — with rules that protect citizens without holding back innovation.

https://t.co/LgwWY98llh

#EUTransport #DroneSecurity

[Apostolos Tzitzikostas @tzitzikostas]

🇪🇺🧳 Europe is the number one tourism destination in the world – and we intend to keep it that way.

At the European Tourism Day, I had the pleasure to present the main objectives of our upcoming EU Tourism Strategy, which will support a sustainable tourism model for Europe. This was followed by a productive dialogue with industry leaders and tourism experts on the future of EU tourism.

With close cooperation with the tourism sector, European tourism will continue to lead by example: using innovation to champion responsibility and supporting a sector that is more resilient, sustainable and balanced.

I look forward to sharing more on the strategy soon.

#EuropeanTourismDay #EUTransport

[Apostolos Tzitzikostas @tzitzikostas]

I spoke earlier with the Spanish Minister of Transport @oscar_puente_ to express my deepest condolences following the tragic train accident in Spain. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those affected. The Commission stands ready to assist the Spanish authorities in any useful way.

[Ursula von der Leyen @vonderleyen]

Just spoke with @sanchezcastejon to convey my deepest condolences to the victims’ families and loved ones.

Europe stands with Spain in this tragic moment, sharing your grief.

@EU_Commission flags will fly at half-mast.