Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, visited Rome, where he addressed the Italian Senate and delivered a keynote speech at LUISS University focusing on EU infrastructure.
During his visit, Tzitzikostas engaged in private talks with Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Matteo Salvini, Minister of Entrepreneurship, Adolfo Urso, and Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri.
He toured the National Control Center of the Italian Railway, meeting Ferrovie dello Stato’s CEO, Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, and visited Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, where he met with Federturismo Confindustria leaders and toured the Colosseum.
In his Senate speech, Tzitzikostas highlighted the comprehensive nature of infrastructure, stating that the European Commission aims to enhance the competitiveness, resilience, sustainability, intelligence, and safety of tourism and transport.
He discussed initiatives in transport and tourism, emphasizing their importance for Europe’s competitiveness and digital transition, with Italy as a frontrunner.
The Commissioner also outlined new EU strategies, including a high-speed rail network linking major urban centers and plans for shipping, ports, road safety, and military mobility, stressing the necessity of adequate funding from the new European budget and prioritizing cross-border projects.
At LUISS University, Tzitzikostas emphasized the significance of funding transport infrastructure, which he described as essential for mobility, connectivity, the single market, and Europe’s competitiveness.
He identified challenges such as mobility, connectivity, supply chains, decarbonization, and digitization, with the Trans-European Transport Network’s completion as a key goal.
“Coordination and funding for large-scale, especially cross-border infrastructure projects, lengthy licensing processes, and complex procurement procedures are significant hurdles. We are addressing these with a new directive aimed at saving time and optimizing resources,” he stated.
Tzitzikostas recognized the high costs and necessary investments for constructing, upgrading, and maintaining transport infrastructure. He highlighted the role of ‘ESPA for Infrastructure’ in supporting cross-border connections and alleviating congestion at borders, vital to the EU and the Trans-European Transport Network’s overall integrity. The objective is to complete the core part of this network by 2030 while maximizing public resource impact and preparing for the next programming period.
He also pointed out other funding sources, including the Cohesion Fund, Recovery and Resilience Facility, and Invest EU, which support various projects across levels.
Tzitzikostas specifically mentioned high-speed railways and military mobility infrastructure, emphasizing their socio-economic value and potential military applications.
“Investments in infrastructure are crucial for Europe’s strategic autonomy. The European Commission will propose its next Multiannual Financial Framework on July 16. My clear goal is to secure predictable, long-term funding for transport infrastructure, including military mobility. We need a robust, centrally managed EU funding program for consistency and strategic prioritization, aiming for a safer, more competitive Europe,” he noted. “With wise investments and decisive collective action, we can create a Europe that operates smartly and sustainably.”
In discussions with Italian Ministers, Tzitzikostas explored various future European strategies for tourism, transport, and infrastructure. With the Mayor of Rome, they discussed urban mobility projects and sustainable tourism, recognizing Rome’s position as a major tourist destination.
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