Providing the opening statement to the Third Delphi Brussels Forum, a Delphi Economic Forum and Kathimerini English Edition event held Thursday in Brussels, Apostolos Tzitizikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, underlined that Europe is facing challenging times due to factors such as the recent pandemic and war on the continent.
Prominent figures have gathered for the Third Delphi Brussels Forum to discuss pressing global issues amid pivotal developments in Southeast Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.
“For decades, we had grown accustomed to peace in Europe, collaboration, and deepening political and economic ties. But the pandemic and the return of war shattered the stability we had taken for granted for years,” Tzitzikostas said. “At the same time, other challenges have emerged, including intensifying global competition and protectionism, the urgent climate crisis, rapidly advancing technology, divisive politics, and a cost-of-living crisis,” he added.
He underscored the need for steady, measured responses to address immediate challenges while laying the foundation for a secure and prosperous Europe, noting action is already underway through political guidelines covering 2024–2029.
Tzitzikostas highlighted the European automotive industry as a key pillar of the economy, noting that it is the largest private R&D investor in Europe and has significantly contributed to prosperity and innovation. The sector supports 30 million jobs, directly and indirectly, and accounts for 7% of European GDP, he said.
“I can assure you that we will not let this sector down. I will develop the EU industrial action plan for the automotive sector and present it early this year,” he affirmed.
The commissioner also emphasized transport as a driver of competitiveness, calling it a European Commission priority. “We have 1.4 million transport and storage companies in Europe, over 99% of them small and medium-sized enterprises. They drive our economy, and we must support them, including by drastically cutting red tape,” he said.
Tzitzikostas described tourism as another key sector where Europe remains a global leader. “With 3 million active SMEs, most of them family-run businesses, tourism is at the heart of our economy and culture,” he said, adding that a comprehensive tourism strategy is being developed to ensure its continued growth and adaptability.
Improving Europe’s railway network is also a priority, as train transportation is one of the greenest travel options, he pointed out. “Completing the railway network and connecting Europe’s major cities by high-speed rail is an absolute priority for me. Individuals and businesses have shown they are willing to switch to rail, including night trains, when it offers affordable, convenient, and reliable solutions,” he remarked.
The commissioner stressed that decisions made this year on EU interests will be crucial for the next five years.