Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, was the main speaker at the 88th session of the UN Committee on Land Transport (ITC) held at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva. The ITC acts as the highest decision-making body in the transportation sector within the UN framework, serving as a global standard-setting authority for land transport. Kicking off his speech, Tzitzikostas stressed the importance of protecting and enhancing the system of common rules in transport, framing it not merely as a technical sector but as a strategic one that underpins economic resilience, energy security, and social cohesion.

He noted that disruptions in transport systems impact entire economies, highlighting the interconnectedness of transportation networks with broader economic stability, growth, and opportunity. Tzitzikostas emphasized that robust and well-connected transport systems act as engines of stability and development, asserting that the UN and the EU must continue their collaboration to reinforce these global transport standards. This collaboration is crucial for addressing urgent global challenges in the transportation sector, such as climate change and the need for environmentally sustainable practices.

The importance of Tzitzikostas's message resonates amid ongoing discussions on climate action and the shift toward greener transportation solutions. His call for unified international transport rules suggests a shift towards cooperative approaches in policy-making, which could enhance the effectiveness of efforts to build a sustainable transport future. This message is also particularly relevant for European stakeholders seeking to balance economic interests with environmental responsibilities.