Why your vote in the upcoming elections will shape the future of Europe’s airports
From 6-9 June 2024, European citizens will head to the polls to elect their representatives as Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). As one of the biggest democratic votes in the world, over 700 MEPs will be elected to represent EU citizens’ interests at an international level. These elections occur every 5 years and play a significant role in shaping the EU’s priorities.
The European Parliament is responsible for debating, passing and shaping laws central to our daily lives and activities. The European Parliament also decides how the EU budget should be spent, and signs off on it. Voting for MEPs in the upcoming election is how citizens can have a direct impact on the decision-making processes of the EU. With 70% of Europeans believing that the EU has an impact on their daily lives (according to a recent Eurobarometer survey), this is every EU citizen’s chance to influence these decisions.
For the aviation industry, European elections have a particular significance. Airports and aviation are heavily regulated at the European level, and EU institutions play a central role in setting the standards, regulations and policies that impact every aspect of the aviation industry. The MEPs that will be elected in June will have the power to shape legislation, including items of the highest priority for airports, such as decarbonisation, airport charges, slots, security, and State aid.
EU-level policies and initiatives play a crucial role in shaping the regulatory framework and promoting the sustainable development of airports and aviation in Europe. The EU Single Aviation Market has enabled remarkable business transformation within Europe’s airports, and has been instrumental in ensuring the quality, efficiency and capacity of European airport infrastructure.
At the same time, new EU rules on decarbonisation are essential yet come with the risk of reducing airport connectivity and European competitiveness within the global aviation market. Adequate European funding to support the decarbonisation of airports is essential. The upcoming elections can influence the decarbonisation of Europe’s airports by encouraging adequate investment to match current policies.
The elections come at a critical juncture for airports, who are facing an uneven traffic recovery from COVID-19 and a radically changed European aviation market. ACI EUROPE’s ‘Airport Industry Manifesto: For the Next EU Political Cycle 2024 – 2029’ outlines how the next 5 years can influence sustainable and competitive connectivity in Europe. It takes stock of the current situation and outlook for the sector, reviews the key challenges faced by Europe’s airports today, and proposes 3 strategic priorities for EU aviation policy. It also highlights the ways in which European legislation and decisions are integral to the development of the European airport community, and the ways in which it can ensure European airports remain global leaders in airport management and development. ACI EUROPE encourages EU citizens to use their right to vote – allowing for true democratic representation and accountability in the EU decision-making process. Your vote selects the representatives that can safeguard the European airport model and guarantee a more sustainable and competitive aviation sector.
