The new European Commission was approved by the European Parliament on 27 November 2024, with Ursula von der Leyen retaining her leadership for a second term. The composition of the Commission has seen changes, with Apostolos Tzitzikostas, aged 46, assuming the role of Transport Commissioner. Tzitzikostas holds a strong academic background, including a degree in Political Science, Foreign Policy, and Diplomacy from Georgetown University, and a Master's in European Public Administration and Economics from University College London. His career began in the United States, where he worked in the office of the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in Congress. Upon returning to Greece in 2001, he founded Macedonian Farm, a company specialising in organic dairy products. Since 2013, he has served as Governor of Central Macedonia.
Among Tzitzikostas' primary responsibilities will be implementing the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). During his confirmation hearing at the European Parliament, he expressed full support for the EU's environmental targets, notably reaffirming the ban on the sale of internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035. He also highlighted the importance of supporting European manufacturers during the transition to electric mobility.
Regarding freight transport, Tzitzikostas emphasised the need to shift towards more sustainable modes, particularly rail and inland waterways. In the maritime sector, the new Commissioner announced plans to present a new strategy for European ports at the beginning of his term. Furthermore, Tzitzikostas plans to introduce an investment plan dedicated to sustainable transport in 2025. He is also an advocate for the production and accessibility of sustainable fuels, while promoting electrification where feasible.
