Eurodeputy Sérgio Gonçalves Presses EU Council on Transport Priorities
Madeira GuideSérgio Gonçalves questions the Cypriot Presidency of the EU Council on transport priorities, highlighting passenger rights and challenges faced by ultraperipheral regions.
In a recent session of the European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism, Madeiran Eurodeputy Sérgio Gonçalves took the floor to question the priorities of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the transport sector. This session, held on January 27, 2026, was attended by key figures such as Cyprus's Minister of Transport, Alexis Vafeades, and the Minister-Adjoint for Maritime Transport, Marina Hadjimanolis.
Gonçalves, a member of the Socialist party, emphasized the European Parliament's unwavering stance on passenger rights, particularly concerning compensation for delays. He pointedly asked whether the Cypriot Presidency would consider revising the Council's position, which has been a point of contention for over a decade.
Further, the Madeiran representative brought attention to the European Strategy for Ports, which is expected to be unveiled this year. He underscored the need for substantial investments to meet Europe's connectivity and decarbonization goals, noting that insular states like Cyprus might better understand the challenges of ultraperipheral regions like Madeira.
Gonçalves also addressed the current temporary exemption for ultraperipheral regions from the Emissions Trading System (ETS), probing what measures are planned to support these regions in their decarbonization efforts.
The session highlighted the complexities of balancing regional needs with broader EU transport strategies, a critical issue for Madeira, given its geographical isolation and reliance on external connectivity.
Sources
Madeira Guide
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