GBTA welcomes new EU plans to boost efficient and sustainable business travel

 

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) has welcomed new EU initiatives aimed at making business travel more efficient, sustainable and resilient. The announcements followed a series of meetings in Brussels between GBTA leaders and senior representatives from EU institutions, including the European Commission, European Parliament and the upcoming EU Council Presidency.

During four days of discussions, the GBTA held more than 20 meetings to present its policy priorities and explore how current EU developments could support a more modern, seamless and sustainable business travel ecosystem.

Cross-border mobility and new EU travel systems

In talks with Magnus Brunner, EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, the GBTA underlined the need for secure and frictionless cross-border movement. The association offered its support to the EU and U.S. authorities on the rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), committing to help inform members with clear and factual guidance.

The GBTA also expressed support for the upcoming EU Digital Travel Credentials, provided the system remains interoperable, optional for travellers, and compliant with data privacy standards.

Advancing sustainable business travel

The GBTA welcomed the EU’s plan to mobilise nearly 3 billion euros for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by the end of 2027, including the launch of an eSAF Early Movers Coalition pilot under the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP). It also encouraged further incentives to scale SAF production and adoption across the sector.

The association called for swift implementation of the CountEmissionsEU initiative to ensure transparent, comparable emissions measurement across all modes of transport. It also urged policymakers to recognise business travel as a key component of future EU tourism and sustainability strategies, including the Sustainable Tourism Strategy due next year.

Rail expansion and multimodal connectivity

With the European Commission announcing new investment to accelerate high-speed rail, along with proposals for unified booking and ticketing systems, the GBTA highlighted the importance of making rail more accessible for business travellers. Priorities include better content access, improved multimodal links, and clearer rules for refunds and journey continuation on cross-border trips.

According to the GBTA, these rail developments align directly with business travel needs by shortening journey times, improving connectivity between economic hubs and offering a viable alternative to short-haul flights where possible.

“Business travel is a vital driver of economic growth, international collaboration and innovation,” said Suzanne Neufang, CEO of GBTA. “Our meetings in Brussels reflect GBTA’s long-standing commitment to shaping a policy environment that supports traveller mobility, sustainability and modernisation. We look forward to continued dialogue and partnership with EU leaders to ensure the business travel sector remains resilient and forward-looking.”

The GBTA said it will continue to collaborate with industry stakeholders and policymakers to advance smart, sustainable and inclusive policies that support the future of corporate travel.

Tags:  Suzanne Neufang, GBTA, European Commission, European Parliament, European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)