The transition to green transport requires investments and a strong legislative-regulatory environment, emphasized the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Mr. Costas Karamanlis during the 1st day of work of the Informal Council of Ministers of Transport held in Stockholm, 27 and 28 February 2023.

Mr. Karamanlis, during the morning session, participated in a focused Working Group together with the Ministers of Denmark, France, Luxembourg and Latvia, regarding transport policies towards a competitive and climate-neutral Europe. During his presentation, the Minister highlighted the importance of the transition to more environmentally friendly means, the need for investments in infrastructure and services, as well as the importance of digitization and respect for international conventions and initiatives. He noted that “at the same time as the policies and regulations that the E.U. elaborates and aspires to implement, the appropriate financial mechanisms should be formulated for investment in alternative fuel infrastructure, the integration of networks with an emphasis on the railway, the optimization and interoperability of the European transport system through digitization, but also innovation, broadening the spectrum of available alternative fuels. Europe must and can lead the way in this field and, in line with international agreements and organizations, move towards climate neutrality, ensuring equality between citizens and attracting third countries along the way, which today show low environmental sensitivity at the altar of reduction of transport costs”.

During the afternoon meeting the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport coordinated a Joint Energy and Transport Working Group consisting of Greece, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden and Spain on common energy and transport policies to accelerate the green transition of transport from 2030 onwards. Presenting the results of the relevant work, Mr. Karamanlis emphasized that: “The member states have a different starting point in trying to adapt to the requirements of fit for 55 (EU plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030) and specifics that should be taken into account for a fair adjustment. No one should be left behind in this effort. The Commission needs to identify where the greatest needs are and invest. Private-public synergies and mobilization of private capital are of great importance for clean transport. Electrification is the future, when hydrogen and other alternative fuels can play a role for some means of transport. We should look forward with an open mind and do more for sustainable, clean transport.”