Welcome to the February edition of the GBTA Europe Advocacy Newsletter designed to keep you up to date with what’s happening in relation to business travel in Brussels, and how GBTA is advocating on your behalf.

Click here for the EU jargon buster.  

Summary

GBTA Action in the EU

Feature of the month – The EU Green Deal Industrial Plan

• On 31 January 2023, the Commission presented a Green Deal Industrial Plan to enhance the competitiveness of Europe's net-zero industry and support the transition to climate neutrality.
• Considered as the European response to the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the plan proposes to implement a simplified regulatory environment, faster accessible funding, enhanced green and digital skills, and more trade partnerships.

The Green Deal Industrial Plan is based on four pillars:

• A predictable and simplified regulatory environment
• An accelerated and extended access to funding for net-zero industry
• Enhanced green and digital skills
• Open trade for resilient supply chains

If the financial support of the US under the Inflation Reduction Act is not replicated in Europe, it could undermine the EU's sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) ambitions according to airlines in Europe (as discussed by A4E). Thus, European airlines are calling for initiatives to promote SAF under the reaction to the IRA.

For more information on the GBTA actions in the EU, please contact clogan@gbta.org.

Other Key Points

1. Transport & sustainability - Developments on the legislations relevant to achieving the EU's climate targets

RefuelEU Aviation
The last inter-institutional negotiation on this key issue for the uptake of SAF took place in December and lasted more than 10 hours, with disagreements on the definition of SAF itself, mixing mandates, and the possibility for countries to go beyond the European mandate and anti-tanking provisions. To reduce the impasse, bilateral meetings are being held before the next negotiations, the date of which is still to be determined.

Multimodal Digital Mobility Services
The expert group advising the Commission on multimodal digital mobility services (MDMS) has released its final report ahead of the publishing of the upcoming law, due to come out on June 21^st. The report highlights that current services are fragmented across the EU, and lack proper legal and market frameworks, causing difficulties for cooperation and data exchange. The group has recommended standardizing measures and liability mechanisms, compliance with fair and non-discriminatory principles, and equal treatment in data sharing. View more details on their findings here.

2. Other updates

EES delays again
The implementation of the Entry-Exit System, or automated check-in system for British and other non-EU travellers who do not need a visa to enter the EU, has been postponed again. Originally scheduled to be launched in 2022, the EES was first rescheduled for May 2023. It is now expected to come into force at the end of 2023.

In terms of reactions, the aviation industry in the EU has welcomed the delay in the introduction of the Entry-Exit System for non-EU nationals. View more on their position here.

At the same time, the EU is mandating a second new scheme, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will require non-European visitors to apply for a visa waiver before arrival. ETIAS, similar to the US ESTA, will proceed as planned to become operational in autumn 2023. For more information on the EES and ETIAS, click here.

How costly is it to connect EU capitals by rail?
According to a study by the EU's rail joint undertaking and industry groups, connecting the EU's capitals and major cities by rail will require a tripling of the continent's high-speed rail network, at a cost of €550 billion. However, the study said the net positive benefits to society of such a project would be in the order of €750 billion by 2070. View more details on their findings here.

Putting an end to burning cabin waste
The European Commission aims to increase recycling of cabin waste produced by airlines. However, EU health rules may be hindering progress. The Commission wants to discuss with airlines and NGOs to find ways to increase recycling. The current regulations require burning or burying all cabin waste on international flights, including plastic bottles. Advances in waste separation and recycling since the implementation of these rules 10 years ago should be taken into consideration.

Aviation industry challenging France’s ban on short-haul flights
The aviation industry is planning to challenge France's recent ban on some short-haul flights, by invoking the principle of free movement. View more information here.