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On Monday, the European Parliament's Transport Committee held a hearing for Commissioner-designate Apostolos Tzitzikostas, who has been proposed to lead the sustainable transport and tourism portfolio in the new Commission. Mr Tzitzikostas outlined his vision for the future of European transport policy, adhering closely to the strategic goals outlined by Commission President von der Leyen. However, his responses revealed few new initiatives or detailed plans, keeping his focus instead on reinforcing existing priorities. Following the hearing, the Committee coordinators endorsed Tzitzikostas’ nomination and forwarded a positive recommendation to the Parliament’s Conference of Presidents. 

Tzitzikostas’ statements highlighted the Commission’s commitment to strengthening the EU’s Single Market by removing regulatory barriers that impact cross-border freight transport. This includes challenges associated with rental cars and the coordination of border crossings within the EU, where transport delays can disrupt freight flows and increase operational costs.

Among his transport policy goals, Tzitzikostas emphasized the need for infrastructure expansion, particularly in rail.  A significant aspect of his vision involves improving military mobility, ensuring that Europe’s infrastructure can support both civilian and military use. This will require collaboration with NATO to ensure dual-use capability, especially in light of new geopolitical pressures that affect European transport corridors.

Tzitzikostas confirmed there would be no new attempt to regulate the mandatory obligation requiring vehicles to return every eight weeks to their country of establishment under Mobility Package I, recently annulled by the CJEU. However, Tzitzikostas added that he will assess working conditions following the ruling and intervene with changes, if necessary.

The Commissioner-designate also reaffirmed the EU’s climate objectives, stating his commitment to maintaining the CO₂ emission standards for vehicles, set for 2035, with a 2025 reduction target. He introduced plans to incorporate e-fuels into this legislation during a review scheduled for 2026. However, his approach to corporate fleet electrification remains vague, with no clear guidance on potential legal frameworks or targets.

In maritime and aviation, Tzitzikostas pointed that he would deal with carbon leakage in the maritime sector in the context of the International Maritime Organisation. He addressed a new Sustainable Transport Investment Plan to support sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs). While he withheld specifics, he indicated that SAF development would be a central component of his sustainable transport strategy, however, without proposing a book and claim system for trading SAFs.

The Conference of Presidents European Parliament will make its final evaluation on 21 November, after which a vote by the European Parliament is scheduled for the 25-28 November plenary session. Should he receive final approval, Tzitzikostas and the full college of Commissioners are expected to take office on 1 December.