Apostolos Tzitzikostas appointed as Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism
On 4 November, Commissioner Designate Apostolos Tzitzikostas gained approval to take up his role as Sustainable Transport and Tourism Commissioner, following a three-hour hearing.
A Greek national and formerly the governor of the Region of Central Macedonia, Tzitzikostas also served as President of the European Committee of the Regions from 2020-2022. During his hearing, he described transport as the ‘backbone’ of Europe’s connectivity. He outlined a policy agenda aimed at driving sustainability within the aviation sector: the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan, which builds upon the Clean Industrial Deal.
In the Mission Letter sent to Tzitzikostas from European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen, Tzitzikostas’ task is described as making ‘European transport more competitive, more sustainable, and more resistant to future shocks and to ensure transport is safe, accessible and affordable for all EU citizens’. A particular focus is given to strengthening the Single Market for transport services, support for the Single European Sky and to ensure that digitalisation continues to help modernise the transport system.
Tzitzikostas was formally elected as Commissioner by MEPs during the 25-28 November plenary session in Strasbourg.
