Opening his first official country visit as European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas addressed the Portuguese Parliament on February 4, 2025, outlining his vision for the next five years. His speech emphasized increasing the competitiveness, sustainability, and security of EU transport and tourism sectors in the context of global challenges such as climate change, protectionism, and geopolitical instability.
Prioritizing EU Transport Competitiveness
Tzitzikostas highlighted plans for a Clean Industrial Deal and an automotive dialogue aimed at fostering the production of zero-emission vehicles within Europe, notably referencing Portugal’s crucial Palmela automotive plant. He proposed an automotive sector action plan to be presented in early 2025, seeking to mitigate risks tied to energy costs, staff shortages, and supply-chain dependencies outside the EU. The strategy targets strengthening EU manufacturing capacity and competitiveness through better coordination at both EU and national levels, coupled with investment aligned under the recently adopted Competitiveness Compass.
Infrastructure and Connectivity Focus
Addressing trans-European transport networks, the Commissioner stressed Portugal’s significant role in the Atlantic Corridor and advocated for enhanced rail connectivity, particularly to Spain. He endorsed the prospect of a high-speed Lisbon-Madrid rail link and noted Portugal’s successful acquisition of 1.7 billion euros in funding from the Connecting Europe Facility. Looking forward, he called for sustained and increased funding under the upcoming Multi-Annual Financial Framework to support cross-border transport infrastructure.
Tourism Strategy and Sustainability
On tourism, Tzitzikostas proposed cooperation with Portugal on crafting a tourism strategy that promotes sustainability, respects local cultures, and supports community businesses. His remarks reflect a policy orientation favoring balanced economic growth with environmental and cultural preservation.
Impacts on Stakeholders
Portugal’s transport manufacturers and the automotive sector may experience strengthened support and clearer long-term policy direction, although they could face pressures to adapt to sustainability demands and increased regulatory alignment. The logistics and infrastructure sectors stand to gain from enhanced EU investment and connectivity improvements, while national authorities will be tasked with implementing cross-border projects. Tourism operators and local communities may benefit from targeted sustainability policies fostering responsible growth but might need to adjust to evolving standards and promotional frameworks.
Overall, Tzitzikostas’s speech signals a nuanced approach favoring increased EU coordination and funding dedication to transport and tourism sectors with concrete proposals, including an automotive action plan and infrastructure investment frameworks, aiming at competitiveness, climate goals, and societal benefits.