Limassol: Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Alexis Vafeades, highlighted the need for an "ambitious and realistic" European response to the challenges facing the transport sector in the light of the Middle East crisis. He was addressing the meeting of the heads of transport administration in Limassol on Thursday.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Vafeades referred to the Cypriot Presidency's motto "An Autonomous Union, open to the world," emphasizing the ambition to strengthen the Union's strategic autonomy, resilience, and competitiveness while maintaining openness and cooperation. He stated that this vision in transport translates to a stronger and more resilient European transport system benefiting citizens, businesses, and collective security.
Cyprus assumed the Presidency during a critical time for transport policy in Europe. Vafeades indicated that transport is now intertwined with competitiveness, market functionality, social cohesion, climate objectives, and increasingly, resilience and security. He noted that geopolitical developments in the Middle East, including airspace closures and the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, have impacted global oil and fuel markets, leading to significant price increases for oil products and affecting the European transport sector.
Vafeades pointed out that while there are no current fuel shortages in the EU, volatility in energy markets is impacting transport operators, logistics, and connectivity, contributing to inflationary pressures and uncertainty. He emphasized that for Cyprus, as an island and external border Member State, challenges related to connectivity, energy security, and supply chain resilience are immediate.
The Cypriot Minister reinforced the need for a European response that is ambitious and realistic, aimed at strengthening competitiveness and reducing dependencies. He assured that Cyprus, in its Presidency role, is committed to facilitating balanced outcomes.
In her address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, Dr. Marina Ioannou-Hasapi, acknowledged the impact of Middle East developments on transport routes and energy markets, highlighting the importance of resilience, preparedness, and coordination. She assured that Cyprus will continue to promote solutions that reflect the Union's diversity, focusing on cooperation and results.