Welcome to the September 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

State of the Union 2023 – European Commission Priorities 2023/24

On September 13th, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's presented the annual State of the European Union speech in the European Parliament.

The European Commission President covered a wide range of topical issues for all parties and took stock of the Commission's achievements so far – The European Green Deal, the competitiveness of the EU, the challenges raised by AI, and Global Security, were the focus of her speech. She outlined the strong commitment of the European Commission in fighting climate change, highlighting at the same time the importance of supporting the industry in this transition. In reaction, political leaders mostly voiced their support for the EU's flagship Green Deal with some highlighting the need for greater consideration of social issues and cutting red tape directly linked to climate policy. Support for Ukraine remained strong.

Other Key Points

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

Renewable Energy Directive
Last month, the Commissioner for Climate Action Frans Timmermans submitted his resignation as a Member of the European Commission after expressing his ambition to run for the position of Prime Minister in the Netherlands. In the meantime, another Commissioner, Mr Maroš Šefčovič will step into this role, taking charge of the European Union's climate policy. Timmermans resigned from his role as EU climate chief to re-enter Dutch politics, leaving a significant void to fill ahead of the COP28 climate conference and the final stages of approving Europe's new environmental legislation Find out more information here.

In addition, The European Commission has nominated Dutch Deputy Prime Minister Wopke Hoekstra as the successor to Frans Timmermans to head of EU climate action. After consultation with the European Parliament, Hoekstra will work closely with Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič, who has assumed responsibility for the European Green Deal following Timmermans' departure.

Greening Freight Package
The names of the MEPs who will lead negotiations on the proposals in the Commission's July Greening Freight proposals have been disclosed:

• CountEmissionsEU: The European People's Party's Barbara Thaler is tasked with the methodology for measuring the carbon footprint of both passenger and freight transport.
• Weights and dimensions: The Socialists and Democrats' Isabel García Muñoz will the lead on the reform of truck weights and dimensions.
• Rail capacity: The Greens' Tilly Metz will spearhead work on the plan to better use capacity on the bloc's congested rail tracks.

2. Other updates

European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)
In 2024, the European Commission is set to introduce an electronic travel authorisation system reminiscent of the one employed in the United States. This system is designed for visitors from countries from outside the European Union (EU), but who have been granted visa-free access to the EU. The primary aim is to bolster border security, while also implementing digital screening and tracking measures for travellers entering and departing from EU nations. This system will assess the security credentials of travellers and impose a fee on those visiting EU member countries for purposes such as business, tourism, medical visits, or transit.

It is expected that the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will be operational in 2024. EU visitors can fill out the application form using either this official ETIAS website or the ETIAS mobile application. Applying for the ETIAS travel authorisation costs EUR 7, though some travellers are exempt from paying this fee. Find more information on the application process here.

Be aware – there are several fake websites sharing misinformation. Please ensure you source information from the official website.

Ryanair's facial recognition causes backlash.
Business travellers in the UK have voiced ongoing concerns and difficulties when booking flights with Ryanair through online booking tools (OBTs) or travel management companies. This is primarily attributed to the airline's controversial online booking verification procedure, which necessitates the use of facial recognition technology. The Institute of Travel Management (ITM), the exclusive business travel industry partner representing GBTA in UK & Ireland, has reported that its members encounter significant challenges when attempting to make Ryanair bookings via OBTs. The verification process has raised considerable concerns among travellers, contributing to friction and frustration in the booking process. GBTA is meeting with Ryanair representatives to discuss the issues.

The MDMS Regulation: Can it make travel easier and greener?
The European Commission’s Multimodal Digital Mobility Services (MDMS) Regulation has the potential to fulfil the promise of smart, seamless and multimodal passenger transport in the EU by giving travellers the freedom to choose how they move.

As a member of the collation “Friends of MDMS”, GBTA would like to extend an invitation to join an event to showcase the numerous stakeholders representing the full mobility ecosystem (such as consumers, rail, business travellers and environmental experts) supporting the MDMS Regulation. David Frangeul Senior Director, Global Air & Ground Practices leader at Advito, will be representing GBTA and the business travel community.

When - Tuesday 10 October from 14.00 - 16.00
Where - The discussion will be hosted by MEP Oetjen and Dalunde in the European Parliament (Room 5B1), Brussels.

To Register