The Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Mr.Yannis Karousos, had today in Brussels contacts with officials of the European Commission, with the main topic of discussion being the legislative package of the European Union "Fit for 55". The focus of his contacts was the meeting with Mr. Frans Timmermans, First Executive Vice President of the European Commission, responsible for the European Green Deal.
"We had a constructive meeting with the First Executive Vice President of the European Commission, responsible for the Green Transition, during which we analysed and presented our concerns on how the Fit-For-55 measures affect the economy of Cyprus. We presented in particular the fact that the impact on Cyprus is disproportionate compared to the other Member States of the European Union. For example, it is clear that the degree to which the gross domestic product for our country is affected will be eight times greater than the European Union average.
We are particularly pleased that the First Executive Vice President has understood this issue, particularly the fact that the impact will be disproportionate.
He was quite informed and it was clear that the initiatives that we have taken recently - particularly in the last two months - to inform both the European Commission and the European Parliament, but also aviation stakeholders on this issue, are bearing fruit.
We see an understanding on the part of the Commission and it is very important that the Councils of Ministers, particularly the Transport Council, have also approved several of our proposals. In particular, there has been a reference to the alternative aviation fuel mechanism, a specific reference has been passed in the previous Transport Council of Ministers, and the aim is to finalise this proposal, this mechanism, at the Environment Council of Ministers on 28 June. It will be a proposal which will be in the interest of aviation and at the same time will give an incentive to air carriers and airlines to implement alternative fuels for aviation, because it will reduce their costs significantly.
Very important is the fact that a proposal that has been submitted by Cyprus, we see that it is being promoted, we see that it is being discussed. Several member states are supporting it, and if it is passed it will be a success for Cyprus, because an initiative of its own, a proposal of its own, will be finalised with the approval, I hope, on 28 June at the Council of Environment Ministers."
Note.: For the video of the Minister's statement, click here
(MF/NG)
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