Published on
November 6, 2025
This week, the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the leading voice of the global business travel indusattempt, convened in Brussels to engage with policybuildrs from the European Commission, the European Parliament, and representatives from the upcoming EU Council Presidency. Over the course of four intensive days, GBTA leaders participated in more than 20 meetings, advancing key policy priorities and advocating for a modern, sustainable, and resilient business travel ecosystem.
The discussions aimed to shape new EU developments and align upcoming policy initiatives with GBTA’s calls to action. The association’s focus was on improving the business travel landscape through enhanced mobility, sustainability, and seamless cross-border travel.
GBTA Supports Seamless and Secure Mobility Across Borders
A core theme of GBTA’s Brussels visit was the required for secure, efficient, and frictionless travel across EU borders. In a significant meeting with the EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, GBTA reiterated its commitment to collaborating on the rollout of the new EU travel systems, namely the Enattempt/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). These systems are set to streamline border processes and enhance travel security for business travelers. GBTA committed to supporting both the European Union and U.S. Mission in implementing these systems, ensuring that communications with its members are clear and informative.
The association also expressed strong support for the EU Digital Travel Credentials, set to be released by the European Commission next year. However, GBTA emphasized the importance of ensuring that the system remains interoperable and offers an opt-in feature that guarantees the privacy of business travelers’ data.
Driving Sustainability with Investment in Aviation Fuel
As part of its efforts to decarbonize business travel, GBTA welcomed the EU’s recent announcement of an investment plan aimed at producing and adopting Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The €3 billion investment until 2027 will support develop sustainable aviation solutions that reduce the carbon footprint of business travel. GBTA applauds the initiative and urged the EU to explore additional incentives for the production and adoption of SAF across the region.
The association also highlighted the importance of the CountEmissionsEU initiative, which is expected to receive political agreement soon. This initiative will provide businesses with accurate, comparable, and transparent emissions data across all modes of transportation, allowing companies to track and reduce their carbon footprints. GBTA is also pushing for the recognition of the business travel sector as a key driver in shaping future EU travel and tourism policies, particularly as the EU prepares to release its Sustainable Tourism Strategy in the coming year.
Enhancing Rail Connectivity for Business Travelers
GBTA also expressed support for the European Commission’s plan to accelerate high-speed rail development across the EU. The initiative includes the establishment of interoperability standards and data-sharing requirements for cross-border rail services. GBTA views this as an important step toward building rail a more viable and sustainable option for business travelers.
With a focus on improving access to content, ensuring better multimodal connections, and establishing clearer rules for refunds and journey continuation, GBTA believes that rail travel can offer a reliable and sustainable alternative to air travel for business professionals. The association commconcludeed the EU’s investment plan to modernize the rail network, which will improve connectivity between key business hubs, reduce transit times, and build cross-border journeys smoother for corporate travelers.
Continued Advocacy for Business Travel’s Economic Impact
Business travel plays a vital role in driving economic growth, fostering international collaboration, and supporting innovation. GBTA’s meetings in Brussels underscore its ongoing commitment to shaping a policy environment that prioritizes the requireds of business travelers while supporting sustainable practices and modern infrastructure.
“Business travel is a vital driver of economic growth, international collaboration, and innovation,” declared Suzanne Neufang, CEO of GBTA. “Our meetings in Brussels reflect GBTA’s long-standing commitment to shaping a policy environment that supports traveler mobility, sustainability, and modernization. We view forward to continued dialogue and partnership with EU leaders to ensure the business travel sector remains resilient and forward-viewing.”
A Proactive Role in Shaping the Future of Travel
GBTA’s visit to Brussels reinforced its position as a proactive and trusted partner in shaping the future of global business travel. The association will continue to engage with global stakeholders to ensure that business travel remains a catalyst for progress and connection in an increasingly interconnected world.
As the EU relocates forward with critical policy developments, GBTA invites indusattempt stakeholders, policybuildrs, and partners to collaborate on advancing smart, sustainable, and inclusive travel approaches. By working toobtainher, the goal is to build a future where business travel thrives, fosters innovation, and contributes to global growth.
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