THE World Shipping Council has welcomed the EU’s likely next transport commissioner with a shopping list of policies, from streamlining customs and integrating renewable energy to protecting the supply chain from trafficking.

Apostolos Tzitzikostas, an economist from Greece’s ruling New Democracy Party, passed the first round of commissioner hearings by the European Parliament in a three-hour grilling on Monday night. 

In his pitch for the EU’s top transport job, Tzitzikos told MEPs: “My goals are clear: defend our industry and its workers; reduce dependencies; create a level playing field; and fulfil our climate objectives, not only for the automotive industry, but for all transport modes, especially maritime, where we must revive the historic European industry.”

Tzitzikostas pledged to present a strategy for European ports early in his mandate if he was confirmed. He also touched on the need to support production and affordability of sustainable fuels and electrification for aviation and maritime, something for which the industry has lobbied hard.

“To support the decarbonisation of the sector, I will come forward with a sustainable transport investment plan in 2025, and because climate change does not stop at our borders, I will work with [aviation regulator] ICAO and International Maritime Organization to pursue an equally ambitious global agenda in coordination with the member states,” he said. 

World Shipping Council chief executive Joe Kramek said: “We are confident that commissioner-designate Tzitzikostas will be instrumental in coordinating transport, energy and industry policies to promote sustainable shipping.”

Kramek said enhancing the EU’s transport and energy network would help the bloc compete.

Election by MEPs of the full college of european commissioners is set to take place during the November 25-28 plenary session in Strasbourg.