The EU aims to strengthen multimodal travel across Europe by improving connections between rail, aviation and maritime transport.
The European Union is preparing to mobilise at least 2.9 billion euros to support cleaner and more connected travel across the bloc, as part of a broader effort to strengthen the sustainability and competitiveness of Europe’s tourism sector.
Speaking during a video address to the global tourism community at ITB Berlin 2026, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas stated the funding will support investments in renewable and low-carbon fuels, particularly in aviation and maritime transport.
The initiative forms part of the EU’s Sustainable Transport Investment Plan, which aims to accelerate the transition to greener mobility while improving connectivity between transport modes across Europe.
“High-speed rail should become the backbone of sustainable travel in Europe — less time travelling, more time experiencing,” Tzitzikostas stated.
Strengthening Multimodal Travel Across Europe
European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas.
A key objective of the plan is to create travel across Europe more seamless and integrated, allowing passengers to easily combine air, rail and other transport services.
According to the European Commission, the EU will work to improve air-to-rail connectivity at major airports, with the goal of identifying investment requireds at around 40 leading European hubs by 2026. The initiative is expected to enhance links between long-distance rail networks and aviation, supporting travellers reach destinations more efficiently while reducing the sector’s environmental footprint.
The Commission is also preparing new legislation aimed at improving cross-border rail ticketing and booking systems, addressing one of the main barriers travellers currently face when planning journeys that involve multiple operators.
Fragmentation in areas such as rail ticketing, car rentals and professional mobility continues to create higher costs, longer travel times and unnecessary emissions, Tzitzikostas stated.
Supporting Sustainable Tourism Growth
The transport investments are expected to play a key role in the EU’s broader efforts to build a more sustainable tourism ecosystem while maintaining Europe’s position as the world’s leading travel destination.
Tourism remains a major economic driver for the bloc, supporting millions of jobs and regional economies across all 27 member states.
“Tourism is a strategic pillar of our competitiveness and global influence,” Tzitzikostas stated, stressing that improving transport connectivity will be essential to maintaining Europe’s leadership in the global tourism market.
The upcoming EU Strategy for Sustainable Tourism, expected to be presented later this spring, will further outline how investments in infrastructure, sustainability and digital innovation can support the sector’s long-term resilience.
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