Europe’s transport sector is the backbone of the EU internal market and outreach to the world. A strong sector is a prerequisite for building a competitive, net-zero and resilient Europe. Open letter to the Ministers of the General Affairs Council and the Ministers of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council

The ETF has welcomed the EESC’s opinion, noting its alignment with the federation’s long-standing advocacy for fair treatment and improved working conditions for seafarers. The inclusion of these key elements in the opinion reflects the collaborative efforts of trade unions and workers’ representatives in shaping a more equitable and sustainable future for the maritime industry.

The ETF has also raised concerns over plans to dismantle Europe’s largest rail freight operator, warning that such measures would have devastating consequences for railway workers, the climate, and Europe’s industries. Rail is a cornerstone of the European Green Deal, and any move to weaken the sector would undermine efforts to achieve sustainable mobility and reduce carbon emissions.

On 29 January 2025, the European Commission adopted its long-anticipated Competitiveness Compass. The communication “establishes competitiveness as one of the EU’s overarching principles for action” and outlines a roadmap featuring initiatives across several areas. Regrettably, the whole strategy is based on the assumption that the EU social model needs to be preserved. We rather believe it needs to be rebuilt.

This initiative aims to identify skills gap emerging from the digital and green transition and discuss the shortage of maritime professionals and limited mobility between land and on-board positions.

On 14 January, the Advocate General of the Court of Justice of the European Union, Nicholas Emiliou, issued a non-binding opinion regarding Case C-19/23 of the CJEU, which could open the door to the complete annulment of the Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages, following a complaint from two member states.

“Fishers of the Future” conference: Presentation of a study that examines the future role of fishers in society up to 2050. A call for urgent, coordinated action from policymakers to secure the fleet’s future, to support a thriving and resilient fishing industry able to offer quality and safe jobs.

A new generation of union leaders is rising in Europe's transport sector. Last December in Sofia, they came together to tackle the industry's biggest challenges - from platform work to far-right extremism, proving that young unionists are "not only the future but the present" of our movement for transport workers' rights.

Deregulation for companies and attacks on EU law protecting workers and trade union rights are not the answer to stop human and environmental rights violations by companies. The EU Due Diligence rules should "work for all", workers and their family, business and the environment.

ETF has been pushing for crisis preparedness amongst unions in the aviation sector through the 'No Going Back' Project, an EU-funded initiative. Extensive research has been done under this project, leading to the creation of practical tools that will soon be provided to all ETF affiliates and the general public.

The European Commission’s proposal to further reduce fishing opportunities in the Mediterranean has sparked alarm among fisheries stakeholders, namely the ETF. The latest proposed cuts would limit certain fleet segments to a maximum of just 27 fishing days per year. This follows years of significant sacrifices from Mediterranean fisheries, which have already faced a decline in the number of companies, vessels, and jobs.

Addressing transport poverty requires that transport services be available, accessible, affordable, and safe for all. This includes women, seniors, young people, people with disabilities, and those with low incomes - whether they live in rural, remote, or urban areas. By prioritising these principles, policymakers can ensure equitable access to transport, enabling greater social and economic inclusion across Europe.