What are the main barriers to the decarbonization of transport?

We keep getting stuck, especially when it comes to funding — the transport sector absolutely must become a priority. Decarbonisation cannot be all ‘blah blah blah’; that doesn’t work. We know what needs to be done, we have the solutions. Now we need to invest. Investing in public transport is a major priority. It will allow people who currently rely on private cars to save money, help the climate, and support jobs — especially jobs linked to tomorrow’s shared vehicles. We must also ensure that trains become much cheaper than planes. This is a real European scandal: why is flying cheaper than taking the train, when the train has far less impact on the climate and is a real tool for reconnecting territories? We know how to fix all this. Now it comes down to political choices. I urge Member States to stop hesitating, to stop being divided. Transport must become the number one priority for Member States. The moment to act is now. Why? Because if we fail to link climate action with social justice — knowing that many people still lack access to transport — it will create deep fractures. And we must show how investing in decarbonisation and transport is a win‑win situation: it improves health by reducing pollution; it reduces congestion and the time we waste travelling; it benefits industries, because transport means jobs and helps revive local areas. There are so many positive outcomes — and we often forget one thing: there is no tourism without transport. The key is to look around, to open our eyes through trains, bikes, even walking, to re‑enchant our approach to tourism. So we must invest in transport, and this transport must be green and popular. ‘Popular’ meaning accessible to everyone.”