Greek centre-right politician Apostolos Tzitzikostas recently won over MEPs in a confirmation hearing at the European Parliament with his confident performance, particularly defending an EU law aimed at reducing emissions from road transport. Despite calls from within his own political family, the European People’s Party, to slow down the switch to electric vehicles, Tzitzikostas remained steadfast in supporting the emission reduction goals set for 2025 and 2035. Car manufacturers, facing challenges in meeting stricter limits on carbon emissions, have urged a revision of the law, but Tzitzikostas maintained that sticking to the original targets was crucial for market stability.
In response to concerns raised by MEPs about the impact on the car industry, Tzitzikostas suggested exploring the possibility of selling cars with internal combustion engines post-2035 that run on “low-carbon” fuels. He emphasized the importance of meeting the emission targets set years ago to ensure certainty in the market and avoid destabilizing the industry. The EU executive, under Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, plans to address issues in the automotive industry through the Clean Industrial Deal to promote electric vehicles and drive up demand for zero-emission cars.
During the confirmation hearing, Tzitzikostas also focused on promoting rail travel and developing a high-speed rail network in the EU. He pledged to introduce a legislative proposal that would make it easier for travelers to book rail journeys between European countries, emphasizing the importance of convenient and sustainable transportation options. Additionally, he touched on geopolitical issues, such as the need for transport infrastructure capable of dual use for military purposes.
As the first commissioner designate with a specific tourism portfolio, Tzitzikostas briefly addressed the topic, highlighting the importance of sustainable tourism and showcasing alternative destinations to manage overcrowding in popular tourist spots. He pledged to present a sustainable tourism strategy early in his mandate to support Europe’s position as a leading tourist destination globally. The hearing also touched on safety concerns in the transport sector, particularly referencing the Tempi rail disaster in Greece, with Tzitzikostas emphasizing the application of EU safety rules across the bloc.
Following a successful hearing and endorsement by majority of political group coordinators, Tzitzikostas’s candidacy for commissioner designate is progressing. The transport committee will recommend group leaders endorse him, and the European Parliament will vote on the entire EU executive before the new von der Leyen Commission takes office. Tzitzikostas’s performance in the hearing, particularly his support for emission reduction goals, promotion of rail travel, and focus on sustainable tourism, has garnered positive reception from MEPs, signaling a potentially effective tenure for the incoming Greek commissioner.
