The priorities of the Cypriot Presidency in the areas of transport, shipping, and tourism were presented ?uesday by the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Alexis Vafeadis, the Deputy Minister of Shipping, Marina Chatzimanoli, and the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kostas Koumis.
Specifically, during a meeting of the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN), the Presidency representatives presented their key priorities aimed at strengthening the competitiveness, resilience, and strategic autonomy of the European Union.
Three key priorities in transport
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In his speech, Minister Vafeadis emphasized that the Presidency’s motto, ‘An Autonomous Union, Open to the World,’ reflects the shared ambition to enhance the Union’s strategic autonomy, resilience, and competitiveness, while remaining firmly committed to openness, cooperation, and a rules-based international order.
He highlighted that in the transport sector, the Presidency aims to accelerate the transition toward a stronger, better-connected, and more resilient European transport system that serves citizens, domestic businesses, and collective security.
The Cypriot Presidency will focus on three main priorities in the transport sector.
The first priority, as explained by the Minister, is achieving concrete and reliable decisions. ‘European passengers rightly expect clarity, fairness, and effective enforcement of their rights, regardless of the mode of transport or the complexity of their journey,’ he said. During the Presidency, priority will be given to air passenger rights, enforcement of passenger rights, and passenger rights in multimodal travel and under modern travel conditions.
He added that the aim is to seek balanced solutions that provide legal certainty to both passengers and operators. ‘We are entering a new phase of negotiations, and I believe significant progress has already been made in the European Parliament during the Danish Presidency. We are determined to maintain and build upon this progress,’ he noted.
Although the positions of the institutions may differ, he said, the same goals are shared, noting that air passengers expect these regulations, as they clarify their rights and provide more protections than currently exist under EU law, especially for persons with disabilities or reduced mobility.
The second priority, he explained, focuses on a cleaner, safer, and more efficient road transport system while maintaining a high level of road safety. He emphasized that the green transition in transport must reflect real-world conditions, support the sustainability of organizations, and take into account infrastructure limitations, implementation feasibility, and costs for citizens and businesses.
In this context, Minister Vafeadis stated that the Presidency will actively guide the revision of the Weights and Dimensions Directive, the package on technical inspections, targeted amendments to the Eurovignette Directive, and the ecological transition of corporate vehicles, which is part of the Automotive Package.
He added that these measures are essential to improving road safety, promoting cleaner vehicles, and ensuring fair competition in the internal market.
Regarding the third priority, Minister Vafeadis highlighted strengthening Europe’s connectivity, resilience, and strategic capacity. He noted that enhancing European connectivity is a political priority, not a technical detail. A strong, reliable, and well-connected transport network forms the backbone of EU cohesion, economic strength, and strategic credibility.
Referring to remote, island, and regional areas, the Minister stressed that connectivity is a matter of equality, security, and full participation in the Single Market.
He also emphasized that the Cypriot Presidency will aim for tangible progress in EU interoperability and investment, closing network gaps, enhancing cross-border connections, and supporting dual-use infrastructure serving both civil and defense needs.
In an unstable geopolitical environment, he continued, Europe cannot rely on fragile or outdated transport systems. Strengthening infrastructure is not only about mobility but also about Europe’s ability to act, protect itself, and remain united.
He reiterated the EU’s ongoing and steadfast support for Ukraine. ‘Connectivity and transport infrastructure play a crucial role in supporting its economy, ensuring corridors of solidarity, and strengthening resilience,’ he explained.
The Minister stressed that the Presidency will continue to support EU efforts to enhance connectivity, interoperability, and infrastructure in close cooperation with international partners. ‘It will, ultimately, be guided by horizontal strategic principles aimed at high-quality, legally sound, and future-proof legislation,’ he concluded.
Hadjimanolis: A bright future for European shipping
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Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis emphasized that the EU shipping sector is undergoing profound transformation, bringing both major challenges and exceptional opportunities.
She stated that this transition should be approached with confidence, ambition, and clear commitment to all stakeholders. ‘We firmly believe that Cyprus should not merely contribute but serve as a cornerstone of European shipping strategy, with shipping emerging as a key priority for a strong and resilient Europe, essential for EU competitiveness, strategic autonomy, and trade,’ she said.
Hadjimanolis highlighted that the Cypriot Presidency will lead focused and constructive discussions in the Shipping Working Group, aiming to adopt conclusions of the Transport Council on 8 June, sending a clear political signal. ‘Cyprus is in a favorable position to advance this work for the benefit of all Member States,’ she noted.
She also presented another priority: the adoption of the Nicosia Declaration, a progressive policy initiative with a strong human dimension. ‘While the industrial shipping strategy highlights EU competitiveness and strategic autonomy, the Nicosia Declaration places people at the center of this power,’ she stated.
The Declaration aims to modernize maritime education and training, making the seafaring profession more attractive, future-oriented, and aligned with European values. It emphasizes upskilling and reskilling of seafarers, technology-based modern education systems, ensuring a safe maritime workforce, promoting women’s participation in maritime professions, and raising public awareness of opportunities in the shipping sector.
She stated that the goal is for the Nicosia Declaration to be adopted by all Member States during the informal ministerial meeting in Nicosia on 29 April, as a clear expression of the EU’s holistic commitment to seafarers.
The third priority, she added, concerns strengthening the EU’s cohesion and influence in the International Maritime Organization. ‘At a time when the IMO is advancing critical processes on decarbonization, safety, and sustainability, Europe must act promptly and in a coordinated manner, with well-prepared EU submissions, expert input, and a unified European approach that supports global progress while ensuring a level playing field,’ she said.
Concluding her speech, Deputy Minister noted that the challenges ahead are significant, but the opportunities are even greater. She sent a clear and unequivocal message that the future of European shipping is bright, and together it will be navigated with confidence and ambition.
Kostas Koumis: Tourism as a strategic pillar of the European economy
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Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis highlighted that the Republic of Cyprus is committed to actively contributing to a stronger, more resilient, and outward-looking European Union, underlining the pivotal role of tourism as one of Europe’s most dynamic and emblematic sectors, promoting international cooperation.
He noted that tourism remains a strategic pillar of the European economy, contributing 9.5% of EU GDP and supporting approximately 22.6 million jobs. These figures underscore not only the sector’s scale but also its crucial role in ensuring employment, social cohesion, and cultural exchange in a period of profound global uncertainty.
Tourism has demonstrated resilience against successive crises and continues to play a significant role in the cohesion and development of the European economy. Within the framework of the Cypriot Presidency, cooperation with Member States and EU institutions is being promoted to implement a common European agenda for tourism, emphasizing competitiveness, sustainability, and adaptation to contemporary challenges.
Special focus is given to balanced, inclusive, and sustainable tourism models that benefit local communities, protect the environment, and meet evolving traveler expectations.
Koumis referred to the examination of the Tourism Agenda 2030 Implementation Report, noting that the process began on 13 January, with further Working Group meetings scheduled for 4 February. ‘Through these consultations, our goal is to transform the Agenda’s priorities into actionable recommendations for approval by Member States; actions that will provide a practical and reliable roadmap for the sector’s green and digital transition in the coming years,’ he said.
In April 2026, the Republic of Cyprus will host in Nicosia the Informal Council of Tourism Ministers, providing ministers with a valuable opportunity to meaningfully contribute to shaping this pivotal document and ensure that tourism remains a consistent policy priority for the EU.
The Presidency will emphasize enhancing European tourism’s attractiveness through investments in innovation and meaningful support for SMEs, which form the backbone of the EU tourism ecosystem. Very small and small enterprises account for 99.8% of the 3.2 million tourism businesses across the Union, and their competitiveness, creativity, and ability to provide high-quality services are key to maintaining Europe’s global tourism leadership.
Koumis also noted that the Presidency will promote skills development, improved connectivity, and accessible, sustainable mobility, particularly in regional and island areas where tourism is a vital economic activity. These measures are deemed essential to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and ensure tourism continues to deliver tangible benefits to local communities across the Union.
Looking ahead, Koumis stressed that the Cypriot Presidency aims to adopt Council Conclusions on Tourism in May 2026, which will consolidate work already carried out under the Transitional Tourism Roadmap, the Tourism Agenda 2030 Implementation Report, and the upcoming Sustainable Tourism Strategy, guiding the Union’s collective strategy toward a competitive, resilient, and sustainable tourism ecosystem.
The Republic of Cyprus approaches the Presidency with a sense of responsibility and commitment to European unity, seeking, through cooperation with Member States, institutions, and stakeholders, to shape a tourism sector that evolves, innovates, and supports prosperity throughout the European Union for the benefit of every European citizen.