European Commission Applauds EASA’s Aviation Environmental Report 2025

EU Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas and EASA Executive Director Florian Guillermet. Photo source: Apostolos Tzitzikostas press office

The European Commission aims to enhance collaboration with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to ensure the continued success of Europe’s aviation sector, according to Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism.

Receiving the European Aviation Environmental Report 2025 from EASA Executive Director Florian Guillermet on Tuesday, Tzitzikostas emphasized the report’s importance, describing it as a tool that “builds bridges” among aviation policymakers.

The fourth edition of the European Aviation Environmental Report, presented at an event in Brussels, provides a comprehensive review of the aviation sector’s environmental performance, highlighting progress made since the 2022 edition.

The report offers key recommendations on reducing aviation’s impact on climate change, noise, and air quality.

EASA Executive Director Florian Guillermet presenting the report to Apsotolos Tzitzikostas.

A major focus of the report is the growing emphasis on sustainable ground operations at airports. It also underscores the critical role of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) and evaluates the impact of the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation, which mandates the supply of SAFs by aviation fuel providers.

Tzitzikostas expressed confidence in the ReFuelEU policy, stating that it has the potential to transform the aviation sector. He emphasized the need to adopt measures such as increasing the use of SAFs, optimizing air traffic management, and implementing more fuel-efficient technologies. These initiatives could reduce emissions by at least two-thirds by 2050, compared to current practices.

Aviation growth and climate neutrality: Balancing demand with environmental impact

While significant progress has been made since the last report, particularly in the development of SAFs and improvements in air traffic management, the projected growth in air traffic demand both in Europe and globally requires further action. Aviation, like other modes of transportation, must contribute to the EU’s ambitious goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Air traffic is expected to grow to 11.8 million annual flights by that time.

The report suggests that this growth does not necessarily have to result in increased emissions. Decoupling air traffic growth from environmental impact is both crucial and achievable.

Commenting on the report, Tzitzikostas highlighted aviation as a European success story for many reasons, particularly its leadership in technology. “In recent years, the sector has also proven its capability to be a leader in sustainability,” he said.

“Our goal is to enhance efficiency. To ensure that Europe’s aviation sector continues to excel, we must create an environment that fosters competitiveness, attracts top talent, and builds passenger confidence,” he added.

Tzitzikostas also stated that the report remains the most authoritative source of information on environmental issues in European aviation. “Throughout my term as Commissioner, I will seek close cooperation to achieve our shared goal of safe, smart, and sustainable aviation in Europe,” he concluded.