Honourable Senators, Honourable Members of Parliament,

Today, I am honored to address you in Rome, the heart of Italian democracy, a city whose history inspires Europe.

Italys strategic position, cultural richness, and industrial excellence make it key to the future of European transport and tourism.

As Commissioner, I appreciate Italys contributions and leadership in these sectors. Thank you for inviting me.

Let me update you on our efforts to enhance transport competitiveness, resilience, sustainability, and safety.

One major initiative is the Action Plan for High-Speed Rail, which I will present soon.

The revised trans-European transport network regulation includes infrastructure connecting Europe’s major urban centers, requiring trains to travel at speeds of 160 km/h, peaking at 200-300 km/h.

This plan encourages Member States to aim for speeds above 250 km/h and addresses missing links and operational barriers.

Italy is a model of high-speed rail success, with impressive infrastructure and services that make rail a viable alternative to air and car travel.

Additionally, we are developing an Industrial Maritime Strategy and a Ports Strategy, as Italian shipbuilders excel in cruise ships and luxury yachts.

Your ports, including Messina and Napoli, are vital, handling millions of passengers and goods annually.

Our Industrial Maritime Strategy aims to strengthen Europes industrial base, promote domestic manufacturing, and support low-emission vessels.

We will also focus on security, economic independence, and sustainability in our Ports Strategy.

Both strategies will link to other key initiatives, confirming the role of shipbuilding and ports in our EU policy agenda.

We will seek input for both strategies, and I am eager to learn from Italian experiences.

Our Maritime Strategy builds on the Automotive Industry Action Plan I presented in March to ensure European carmakers remain competitive.

We have proposed using the European Globalisation Fund to support workers and companies during restructurings.

Let me emphasize the importance of road safety; our goal is to halve road deaths and serious injuries by 2030. I welcome Italys new road safety reforms.

Our aviation goal is climate neutrality by 2050, supported by the ReFuelEU Aviation initiative, which promotes sustainable aviation fuels.

Italy has greatly benefited from the Connecting Europe Facility, with significant funding supporting numerous projects, including the Brenner Base Tunnel and the Turin-Lyon railway line.

We are committed to completing these projects swiftly, as they are vital for Italy and the EU.

In conclusion, Italy plays a central role in shaping Europes transport future. Your high-speed rail, shipbuilding, and ports are European assets.

Thank you for your attention and hospitality. I look forward to our continued cooperation for a more connected and sustainable Europe.

Thank you.