Nicosia: The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU successfully hosted the European Aviation Strategy Summit in Nicosia on 14-15 June, bringing together policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, aviation professionals and stakeholders from across Europe and beyond to discuss the future of European aviation.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Dr. Marina Hasapi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, delivered the welcoming address on behalf of Minister Alexis Vafeades. The Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining a competitive, connected, sustainable, and resilient European aviation sector, highlighting aviation's strategic role in supporting Europe's openness, prosperity, and connectivity.
Costas Koumi, Deputy Minister of Tourism, pointed out the vital contribution of aviation to tourism, economic growth, regional development, and connectivity, especially for island member states. Participants also received a message from the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, while the keynote address was delivered by Florian Guillermet, Executive Director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Participants exchanged views on the future direction of European aviation and the forthcoming EU Aviation Strategy. Discussions centered on four thematic priorities: smarter regulation; connectivity and access for all regions; financing and innovation for green aviation; and resilient, safe, and secure aviation systems. Emphasis was placed on strengthening European competitiveness, safeguarding connectivity for islands, remote and peripheral regions, supporting regional aviation and Public Service Obligation routes, enhancing links with neighboring countries, and harnessing technological innovation to support the sector's future development.
The financing of aviation decarbonization, the deployment of sustainable aviation fuels and clean technologies, and the importance of ensuring that the green transition aligns with competitiveness and innovation were also discussed. Moreover, the Summit examined resilience and preparedness in response to geopolitical developments, airspace disruptions, cybersecurity threats, GNSS interference, and emerging technologies, including drones and advanced air mobility solutions.
The Cyprus EU Presidency concluded that continued cooperation among governments, regulators, industry, and stakeholders will be essential in building a European aviation sector that remains competitive, connected, sustainable, and resilient. The ideas and recommendations from the Summit will contribute to the broader reflection on the future EU Aviation Strategy.