On June 9, RACA was present at the "Transportation Without Borders" event, organized by MEP Stefan Musoiu at the European Parliament headquarters, alongside EP Vice-President Victor Negrescu, representatives from the leadership of DG MOVE (Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport), and delegates from transport organizations across Romania, Europe, and the United States of America. ACAR President Marius Popescu, presented directly, without holding back, the priorities of the Romanian airline industry, not for the distant future, but for right now.
Suspension of EU ETS scheme payments for airline operators , given the current geopolitical context (especially in the Middle East) which generates extraordinary pressure on operational costs. Airlines cannot be treated as "normal" economic actors when operating under abnormal conditions. The industry needs flexibility from European institutions.
Reduction of VAT on domestic routes in Romania. Even though this is a national decision, the European Commission will be notified, and it is crucial for European decision-makers to understand that this is not merely a tax measure, but a national cohesion strategy. A truly united Romania is not built solely with highways. It is also built with affordable flights between Cluj and Constanța, between Iași and Timișoara. Italy has demonstrated that the state can and must boost domestic air connectivity. Romania needs the same institutional courage!
Declaring domestic air routes as public utility services. Domestic air connectivity is not a luxury; it is a national infrastructure necessity, with direct implications for territorial cohesion, regional economy, and citizens' access to essential services.
RACA also raised the issue of support for purchasing "green" aircraft with a reduced carbon footprint. In recent years, investments in sustainable solutions have focused almost exclusively on the rail sector. It is time to also discuss financing green fleets in aviation, all the more so since the first electric and hybrid passenger aircraft will be EASA-certified in the coming years. Romania has the potential to be a pioneer in this transition, and the conversation must start now!
These messages were delivered to European decision-makers who possess the capacity to influence EU transport legislation and policies. RACA's viewpoints will be discussed during European Parliament sessions.
The road is long, but the conversation has begun at the right level.
