Nicosia: The green transition must be accompanied by innovation, investment and policies that strengthen, rather than weaken, Europe's position in international aviation, said Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Alexis Vafeades, in his address at the European Aviation Strategy Summit in Nicosia, organized on Monday by the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Vafeades emphasized the importance of connectivity for islands, peripheral regions, and remote communities, underscoring the essential role of regional aviation in ensuring these areas remain linked to opportunities, markets, and services. In his address, read by the Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Marina Ioannou Hasapi, he noted that aviation embodies the Cyprus Presidency's vision of 'An Autonomous Union - Open to the World', linking citizens, supporting the economy, and maintaining Europe's global connections.
Vafeades highlighted the challenges facing the aviation sector, including geopolitical instability, airspace restrictions, supply-chain pressures, rising operational costs, and the imperative of decarbonization. He stressed that the upcoming European Aviation Strategy must prioritize competitiveness amidst a challenging global environment, while also committing to sustainability, safety, and high regulatory standards.
Connectivity remains a top priority, Vafeades continued, pointing out that for Cyprus, connectivity is not a luxury but an economic necessity and social lifeline. He asserted that regional aviation is vital for providing crucial links for citizens and businesses, particularly in remote and sparsely populated regions, and that the future EU Aviation Strategy must ensure these services are sustainable.
Vafeades also emphasized the need to strengthen aviation links with neighboring regions such as the Middle East, North Africa, and the Western Balkans to bolster trade, tourism, investment, and people-to-people contacts. He championed the emergence of new generation long-haul aircraft, which are transforming global aviation by enabling longer direct routes with reduced environmental impact, thus offering new opportunities for airports and regions.
He concluded by urging summit attendees, including policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders, to engage openly and focus on practical solutions. The outcomes of the summit, he stated, can significantly contribute to building a competitive, connected, sustainable, and resilient European aviation sector.