Rovana Plumb nominated as EU Commissioner for Transport

European Commission (EC) president-elect Ursula von der Leyen presented on Tuesday, September 10, her team and the new structure of the next EC, officially proposing Romanian MEP Rovana Plumb for the position of EU Commissioner for transport.

Nominated as the European Commissioner for Transport by President-elect Ursula von der Leyen, Plumb’s role will be to implement changes to ensure that the transport industry is ‘sustainable, safe, affordable and accessible.’

Rovana Plumb is a Member of the European Parliament (Vice-President of the Social and Democrats Group), and is a former national Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Minister of Labour, Minister of European Funds, Minister of Education and Minister of Transport. She topped Romania’s ruling Social Democratic Party – PSD’s list of candidates in the elections for the European Parliament.

In a tweet, Rovana Plumb, said: “Honoured to be designated EU Commissioner for Transport. Thank you for your confidence President-elect. I look forward to working with my colleagues and all EU Institutions to bring Europe closer to our citizens.”

Her mission

Von der Leyen highlighted in a mission-statement letter: “Changes in climate, digital technologies and geopolitics are already having a profound effect on the lives of Europeans. We are witnessing major shifts all the way from global power structures to local politics. While these transformations may be different in nature, we must show the same ambition and determination in our response. What we do now will determine what kind of world our children live in and will define Europe’s place in the world.”

In reference to the 'Transport' portfolio, von del Leyen further outlined the following objectives:

• a transport sector fit for a clean, digital and modern economy thanks to a comprehensive strategy for sustainable and smart road, maritime and air transport mobility.
• the extension of the Emissions Trading System to the maritime sector and the reduction of free allowances for airlines.
• proactive negotiations on global emission reduction within the International Civil Aviation Authority and the International Maritime Organization.
• the promotion of Europe's zero-pollution ambition.
• the review of the Energy Taxation Directive to align it with EU climate ambitions.
• the promotion of connected and automated mobility, with a strong focus on digital innovation.
• a fair and functioning internal market for transport.
• the completion of the missing infrastructure links and the Trans-European Transport Network.
• the promotion of transport justice through accessibility, affordability and reliability of transports for those on a low income or living in remote areas.
• the highest safety standards.
• the cooperation with key partners to enforce existing agreements, open up new market opportunities, promote high safety standards and improve connectivity links, particularly in the European neighbourhoods and in the Western Balkans.
• the implementation of dual-use infrastructure projects to improve military mobility, using the funds earmarked in the Connecting Europe Facility.