UITP's Recommendations to the Cypriot Presidency of the EU Council
January-June 2026
Cyprus has a unique opportunity to address the key challenges facing the public transport sector – as it starts its Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
UITP is pleased to see that the Presidency’s programme addresses several priorities that lie at the very heart of UITP members’ work and concerns, from passenger rights to clean corporate fleets.
These are welcome and timely discussions for a sector that keeps passengers moving every day and help the sector thrive as a defining symbol of a modern, sustainable Europe.
UITP calls on the Cypriot Presidency to ensure clarity for the sector across its priorities:
- Advance negotiations on EU funding for public transport under the new MFF
Adequate and predictable funding is a prerequisite for delivering on the EU’s climate, social and competitiveness objectives. UITP calls on the Cypriot Presidency to advance negotiations that will facilitate robust and accessible funding for public transport through the relevant instruments of the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
The establishment of a permanent EU Transport Investment Fund would ensure long-term, high-impact financing for decarbonisation projects, prioritising urban, regional, cross-border, and rural passenger transport assets (road- and rail-based, including infrastructure, vehicles, equipment and other facilities), enabling operators and authorities to plan investments with confidence and maximise the EU’s transition to sustainable mobility.
- Ensure legislative clarity
Clear and coherent rules are essential, particularly in the context of the EU’s ambition to accelerate the decarbonisation of corporate fleets and modify public procurement rules. While the intent of legislation is important, the ultimate success will depend on its drafting and practical applicability in the public transport sector.
Any new legislative framework should be carefully designed to complement existing EU rules, avoiding duplication, conflicting provisions, or unnecessary administrative burdens. This will help operators and authorities plan investments efficiently, accelerate the transition to clean mobility, and ensure that public transport continues to play its critical role in achieving Europe’s climate objectives.
- Strengthen passenger rights
Protecting and enhancing the rights of passengers is a fundamental priority. However, legal uncertainty and unrealistic proposals risk undermining the very goals these initiatives seek to achieve. Poorly defined obligations could create confusion for operators and passengers alike, potentially making public transport less attractive and reducing its competitiveness compared with private modes of transport.
Also, new rules need to consider the specificities of local situations managed by competent public transport authorities (e.g. for what regards ticketing or disabled customers). UITP therefore calls for passenger rights legislation that is clear, practical, and enforceable, ensuring that it genuinely improves the travel experience, fosters trust in public transport, and supports the sector’s ongoing digital and operational innovations.
- Address regional inequalities
UITP welcomes the Presidency’s emphasis on the challenges faced by peripheral countries and regions, where access to reliable public transport can be limited and transport poverty remains a pressing concern. These issues must be fully reflected in EU funding and policy discussions, including the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), which should support not only high-speed and long-distance connections, but also strong local and regional networks that serve all communities daily. Investments should promote inclusive, sustainable, and accessible transport options, ensuring that no region is left behind.
Alberto Alonso Poza, Chair of the UITP EU Committee
UITP stands ready to work closely with the Cypriot Presidency throughout its mandate to help translate these priorities into clear, effective and workable outcomes for public transport across Europe.
