Earlier this week I had the pleasure of addressing the General Assembly of the Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation, an initiative that brings together Europe’s leading minds in aviation, energy and innovation, all working towards one shared mission: making zero emission flight a reality.
Aviation has long been a tough nut to crack. It connects people, drives our economies and keeps Europe moving, yet it remains one of the most difficult sectors to decarbonise. And that is exactly why the work of AZEA is so important. By uniting aircraft manufacturers, airports, fuel producers and policymakers, Europe is showing that collaboration is not just useful, it is essential to deliver change at scale.
From a Socialists and Democrats perspective, this transition is not just about cleaner engines or new technologies. It is about people. It is about ensuring that every step we take towards greener skies is also a step towards fairness, for workers, for regions and for passengers. When we supported initiatives such as ReFuelEU Aviation, our goal was simple: cleaner skies and a just transition that leaves no one behind.
The task ahead is enormous, but so is the potential. This decade must be about turning ambition into action, moving from prototypes to production, from plans on paper to aircraft in the skies. That requires courage, coordination and investment across the entire aviation ecosystem.
In my message to the Assembly I outlined three principles that I believe should guide our path forward.
First, technology neutrality with clear ambition.
Europe must back every credible route to zero emissions: electric propulsion for short haul, hydrogen for regional routes, and synthetic fuels for long distance travel. Innovation thrives on diversity, and our ability to scale up different solutions is what will make Europe a global leader.
Second, speed with fairness.
We cannot afford to move slowly. The climate crisis demands bold action by 2030, not 2050. But as we accelerate, we must also protect. No worker, no airport, and no region should be left behind in this transformation. Fairness and ambition must go hand in hand.
Third, European leadership.
This transition is not only an environmental necessity; it is also an industrial and strategic opportunity. By investing in skills, infrastructure and certification systems, Europe can lead the world in zero emission aviation, creating quality jobs and strengthening our competitiveness along the way.
If we get this right, aviation will not only become cleaner, but stronger, fairer and future ready.
I want to thank everyone at AZEA for their vision and determination. The road ahead is demanding, but the reward is immense: cleaner skies, stronger regions and a Europe that continues to lead by example.
Watch my full video address to the AZEA General Assembly below.