Josianne Cutajar represents the EP in Italy in relation to the EU’s transport agenda

Over the past days, MEP Josianne Cutajar has continued with her work in the transport sector, emphasising a consistent message relating to sustainable connectivity.

Indeed, this week Cutajar represented the European Parliament in a delegation of the Transport and Tourism Committee that visited the cities of Genoa and Florence in Italy. During their various meetings and visits, including at the port of Genoa, Cutajar spoke about the importance of the blue economy and the maritime sector, which are also of significant importance for Malta.

She stressed that all stakeholders – public, private and researchers – should collaborate to invest in more research and innovation, ensuring market readiness and skilling of our workforce to keep up with the European obligations that will come into effect in the near future as part of new environmental laws, promoting e-fuels and cleaner transport.

MEP Cutajar also highlighted the importance of investing in workers’ skills, skills that are essential to prevent our workers from falling behind, help our European businesses remain competitive and ensure a successful environmental and digital transition.

During the delegation visit to Italy, Dr Cutajar also spoke about the importance of different modes of transport providing sustainable and affordable connectivity for citizens, a point which she also emphasised in a debate she participated in last week in Brussels. In addition, at the same conference, organised by Airlines for Europe, Cutajar recognised the essential role that aviation and airlines play in bringing together different regions in the European Union, as well as in facilitating travel and trade, while also contributing to various other industries including tourism.

“Convenient air routes, as we have seen announced for the coming months in Malta, are important for more tourists to visit Malta, thereby boosting spending and leaving more disposable income in the pockets of Maltese and Gozitans, but also to provide a crucial link for our islands with the mainland continent, a link that is essential for the country’s connectivity and for the free movement of our citizens,” concluded Cutajar.