Latest news with #ApostolosTzitzikostas
Russia Today
21 hours ago
- Business
- Russia Today
EU roads not ready for war
The EU's roads and railways are unprepared for war, the bloc's transport chief has warned. In an interview with the Financial Times published on Tuesday, commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas said the transportation infrastructure, including bridges, railways, and tunnels, is incapable of moving tanks, troops, or military supplies in case of conflict. European officials have long warned of a possible conflict with Russia and pushed for militarization, despite Moscow denying it has any plans to attack. Tzitzikostas said defending the region would be impossible if armies cannot move quickly. He argued that if NATO tanks were needed to respond to an invasion, they would risk getting stuck in tunnels, collapsing bridges, and being delayed by border protocols. 'The reality today is that if we want to move military equipment and troops from the western side of Europe to the eastern side, it takes weeks and in some cases months,' he said. 'We have old bridges that need to be upgraded, we have narrow bridges that need to be widened and we have nonexistent bridges to be built.' He explained that much of Europe's infrastructure is not designed for heavy military transport. Trucks generally weigh up to 40 tons, while a tank can weigh up to 70. According to Tzitzikostas, Brussels is preparing a strategy to ensure troops can move swiftly. The plan includes upgrading 500 infrastructure projects along four military corridors and cutting bureaucratic red tape to ease border crossing. The projects, identified with NATO, are classified, but are estimated to cost €17 billion ($19.7 billion). The strategy will be presented later this year. The initiative comes amid a push for greater militarization across the bloc over what officials describe as the 'Russian threat'. Recent moves include the €800 billion ReArm Europe program and a pledge by European NATO members to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP. Moscow has dismissed the claims as 'nonsense.' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said last month that the West uses Russia as a 'monster' to justify growing military budgets. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused Western leaders of pushing Europe toward direct confrontation.
Metro
10-07-2025
- Metro
A new high-speed train is set to link three of Europe's coolest capital cities
Why visit one impossibly cool capital city, when you could see three? Train travellers in Europe will soon get the chance to travel from Prague to Copenhagen, via Berlin, using a brand new long-distance train connection. Deutsche Bahn in Germany, DSB in Denmark and ČD in Czechia are the largest rail operators in their respective countries. Now, they're joining forces to run a new rail service. The trains will run year round, starting on May 1 2026, with journey times of just 7 hours between Copenhagen and Berlin, and 11 hours between Copenhagen and Prague. That might sound like a slog, but in the past, a journey from Copenhagen to Prague could take more than 14 hours. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. And, travel time will be cut even more once the Fehmarn Belt Undersea Tunnel, which connects Denmark and Germany, is open, which is currently scheduled for 2029. There will be two outward and two return journeys a day, on trains reaching speeds of up to 230km per hour. More planned stops are also set to be introduced, including destinations such as Dresden and Hamburg. Trains will depart Prague daily at 6.30am and 10.30am, and there's also a night-time service planned for the summer — this will depart Prague at 4.30pm. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the European commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism, said: 'Improving high-speed rail, especially across borders, is our top priority. 'This new line, connecting the Czech Republic, Germany, and Denmark, is a strong example of progress. And I am especially proud that it is the first of the ten pilot projects supported by the European Commission to promote new cross-border rail connections.' One of the proposed stops on the new multi-country line includes Hamburg. Last year, Metro's video producer, Jed Bradley, spent 48 hours there — here's what he had to say about his trip… I start my sightseeing at the Elbphilharmonie, an imposing concert hall-hotel known locally as the Elphi. Sitting atop a 1960s brick warehouse, Hamburg's tallest residential building is a handy place to get your bearings with a 360-degree outdoor observation platform to gaze over the city to the north, and the bustling port to the south. I visit in October, but every May, more than one million people descend on the waterfront for the Port Anniversary, the biggest event in Hamburg's calendar. Sailing ships parade down the river, live performances fill the streets and food stalls serve local delicacies before the night ends with a spectacular fireworks display. The river path stretches for miles, with plenty of riverside bars and restaurants to rest your feet in before you head back towards the city centre. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Hamburg's grand City Hall, The Rathaus, dominates the skyline. Finished in 1897, it's now the nucleus of the shopping district, with high-end boutiques in the northern Old Town and high street giants like H&M and Zara to the south. Wide, pedestrianised promenades are dotted with restaurants along the way, providing plenty of opportunity to refuel after retail therapy. If it turns into a retail nightmare, head to Binnenalster Lake, a popular respite from the frenzy of city life. More Trending For a big night out, head to Hamburg's legendary nightlife district – the Reeperbahn. I visited venues like Große Freiheit 36 and Molotow, before perching myself at Le Lion, a famous speakeasy that serves expertly crafted drinks. If you want to dance until dawn, check out one of the district's iconic nightclubs like Dollhouse or Übel & Gefährlich, housed in a sprawling war bunker. Hamburg's trade roots remain important today with huge quantities of coffee and cocoa flowing through its port. If you're a chocolate lover (who isn't?), a visit to Chocoversum (€25/£21) will not disappoint like Glasgow's Willy's Chocolate Experience. When you crash from all the sugar, Burg Coffee Museum is on hand for a pick-me-up. Along the 90-minute tasting tour (€21/£18) through one of the original canalside warehouses, you'll see why Hamburg's tax exemption for raw beans made it the coffee capital of Europe. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: 4 cheap package holiday destinations for 2025 as Greece and Cyprus soar in price MORE: UK company launches £5,000 sex cruise — these are the rules passengers must follow MORE: 'The Bali of Europe': This quiet destination has £42 flights and over 300 days of sunshine
Scottish Sun
10-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Summer flight delays to be ‘worst ever' this year across nine countries in Europe – here's what to do if affected
Plus, everything you need to know about your flight compensation rights GROUNDED Summer flight delays to be 'worst ever' this year across nine countries in Europe – here's what to do if affected Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FLIGHTS this summer are set to experience the worst delays ever as countries across Europe battle air traffic control strikes, wildfires and high demand. The delays are expected across nine countries in Europe including France, Germany, Greece and Spain. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Flight delays are expected across nine countries in Europe the summer, including France, Germany, Greece and Spain Credit: Getty EU officials told the Financial Times that the air traffic control system was operating at capacity due to staff shortages and increased demand following the Covid-19 pandemic. They added that last year was the worst summer yet for delays and cancellations and "this year will be very similar". Approximately 37,000 flights occur in Europe on the busiest days of the season - but this is the limit of what air traffic controllers can currently manage. Strikes, such as those recently in France, have also made the situation worse. Eurocontrol - the organisation responsible for air traffic control in Europe - said: "Last week was strongly impacted by air traffic control (ATC) industrial action between 2-5 July 2025, leading to severe disruption for passengers, airlines and airports." In total, there were 3,343 fewer flights to/from French airports than compared to the previous week - all of which were cancelled due to the strike. Europe currently also has a reduced airspace due to the war in Ukraine. The EU transport commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas explained that this, paired with the shortage of controllers, "threatens to overburden the air network and disappoint passengers". As a result, he has claimed that airports are now more congested and "Europe cannot afford chaos in the skies". With a summer of further disruptions expected, The Sun's head of travel Lisa Minot has advised what you should do if travelling this summer. Flight cancelled or delayed? Top tips for handling travel disruptions She said: "Whatever happens if it is [your flight] delayed or cancelled for reasons outside of the the airlines control, then unfortunately there is no compensation due. "But the airline does have a duty of care to look after you. "If your flight is cancelled and it is the airline's fault ... then you could be due compensation. "It could be anything up to £520." Last month Ryanair also said that this summer would be the worst summer for flight delays and cancellations. The airline revealed the worst air traffic control centres (ATCs) for delays and this included the UK as the fifth worst. Ryanair said that the European Commission and European governments "have taken no action to fix their shoddy ATC services and ATC delays will now be even worse in summer 2025". Micheal O'Leary, the airline's CEO, also said that if staff shortages and ATC issues are not sorted, there will be "record ATC flight delays this summer". 3 Approximately 37,000 flights occur in Europe on the busiest days of the season - but this is the limit of what air traffic controllers can currently manage Credit: Getty The airline's 'League of Delays' revealed that France and Spain have been the most impacted so far this year, with 15,634 and 11,576 flights delayed respectively. The airline has also claimed that 90 per cent of their flight cancellations during the French ATC strikes, could have been avoided if overflights over France were allowed to take place. Many airlines are now calling on Brussels to complete the 'Single European Sky' project which would allow airlines to fly the most direct route possible within the EU. This would mean that airlines would not follow diversions via several points, but instead fly straight to a destination. Last year, air traffic was up by five per cent compared to 2023, with over a third of flights delayed by more than 15minutes on arrival, according to Eurocontrol. Overall, delays averaged around 21.4minutes per flight. Flight compensation rules A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs. What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed? Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late. If you're flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight. You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven't used yet. So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded. But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline. When am I not entitled to compensation? The airline doesn't have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather. Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other 'extraordinary circumstances' are not eligible for compensation. Some airlines may stretch the definition of "extraordinary circumstances" but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled? If you can't claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you. Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer. Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof. If your flight is cancelled entirely, you're unlikely to be covered by your insurance. A budget airline is also set to launch new flights from the UK to an affordable Asian city. Plus, long-haul flights from the UK are about to take much longer - find out why.
The Sun
10-07-2025
- The Sun
Summer flight delays to be ‘worst ever' this year across nine countries in Europe – here's what to do if affected
FLIGHTS this summer are set to experience the worst delays ever as countries across Europe battle air traffic control strikes, wildfires and high demand. The delays are expected across nine countries in Europe including France, Germany, Greece and Spain. 3 EU officials told the Financial Times that the air traffic control system was operating at capacity due to staff shortages and increased demand following the Covid-19 pandemic. They added that last year was the worst summer yet for delays and cancellations and "this year will be very similar". Approximately 37,000 flights occur in Europe on the busiest days of the season - but this is the limit of what air traffic controllers can currently manage. Strikes, such as those recently in France, have also made the situation worse. Eurocontrol - the organisation responsible for air traffic control in Europe - said: "Last week was strongly impacted by air traffic control (ATC) industrial action between 2-5 July 2025, leading to severe disruption for passengers, airlines and airports." In total, there were 3,343 fewer flights to/from French airports than compared to the previous week - all of which were cancelled due to the strike. Europe currently also has a reduced airspace due to the war in Ukraine. The EU transport commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas explained that this, paired with the shortage of controllers, "threatens to overburden the air network and disappoint passengers". As a result, he has claimed that airports are now more congested and "Europe cannot afford chaos in the skies". With a summer of further disruptions expected, The Sun's head of travel Lisa Minot has advised what you should do if travelling this summer. Flight cancelled or delayed? Top tips for handling travel disruptions She said: "Whatever happens if it is [your flight] delayed or cancelled for reasons outside of the the airlines control, then unfortunately there is no compensation due. "But the airline does have a duty of care to look after you. "If your flight is cancelled and it is the airline's fault ... then you could be due compensation. "It could be anything up to £520." Last month Ryanair also said that this summer would be the worst summer for flight delays and cancellations. The airline revealed the worst air traffic control centres (ATCs) for delays and this included the UK as the fifth worst. Ryanair said that the European Commission and European governments "have taken no action to fix their shoddy ATC services and ATC delays will now be even worse in summer 2025". Micheal O'Leary, the airline's CEO, also said that if staff shortages and ATC issues are not sorted, there will be "record ATC flight delays this summer". 3 The airline's 'League of Delays' revealed that France and Spain have been the most impacted so far this year, with 15,634 and 11,576 flights delayed respectively. The airline has also claimed that 90 per cent of their flight cancellations during the French ATC strikes, could have been avoided if overflights over France were allowed to take place. Many airlines are now calling on Brussels to complete the 'Single European Sky' project which would allow airlines to fly the most direct route possible within the EU. This would mean that airlines would not follow diversions via several points, but instead fly straight to a destination. Last year, air traffic was up by five per cent compared to 2023, with over a third of flights delayed by more than 15minutes on arrival, according to Eurocontrol. Overall, delays averaged around 21.4minutes per flight. Flight compensation rules A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs. What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed? Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late. If you're flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight. You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven't used yet. So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded. But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline. When am I not entitled to compensation? The airline doesn't have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather. Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other 'extraordinary circumstances' are not eligible for compensation. Some airlines may stretch the definition of "extraordinary circumstances" but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled? If you can't claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you. Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer. Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof. If your flight is cancelled entirely, you're unlikely to be covered by your insurance. A budget airline is also set to launch new flights from the UK to an affordable Asian city. Plus, long-haul flights from the UK are about to take much longer - find out why. 3
The Irish Sun
10-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Summer flight delays to be ‘worst ever' this year across nine countries in Europe – here's what to do if affected
FLIGHTS this summer are set to experience the worst delays ever as countries across Europe battle air traffic control strikes, wildfires and high demand. The delays are expected across nine countries in Europe including 3 Flight delays are expected across nine countries in Europe the summer, including France, Germany, Greece and Spain Credit: Getty EU officials told the pandemic . They added that last year was the worst summer yet for delays and cancellations and "this year will be very similar". Approximately 37,000 flights occur in Strikes , such as those recently in France, have also made the situation worse. Eurocontrol - the organisation responsible for air traffic control in Europe - said: "Last week was strongly impacted by air traffic control (ATC) industrial action between 2-5 July 2025, leading to severe disruption for passengers, airlines and airports." In total, there were 3,343 fewer flights to/from French airports than compared to the previous week - all of which were cancelled due to the strike. Europe currently also has a reduced airspace due to the war in Ukraine. The EU transport commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas explained that this, paired with the shortage of controllers, "threatens to overburden the air network and disappoint passengers". Most read in News Travel As a result, he has claimed that airports are now more congested and "Europe cannot afford chaos in the skies". With a summer of further disruptions expected, The Sun's head of travel Lisa Minot has advised what you should do if travelling this summer. Flight cancelled or delayed? Top tips for handling travel disruptions She said: "Whatever happens if it is [your flight] delayed or cancelled for reasons outside of the the airlines control, then unfortunately there is no compensation due. "But the airline does have a duty of care to look after you. "If your flight is cancelled and it is the airline's fault ... then you could be due compensation. "It could be anything up to £520." Last month The airline revealed the worst air traffic control centres (ATCs) for delays and this included the UK as the fifth worst. Ryanair said that the Micheal O'Leary, the airline's CEO, also said that if staff shortages and ATC issues are not sorted, there will be "record ATC flight delays this summer". 3 Approximately 37,000 flights occur in Europe on the busiest days of the season - but this is the limit of what air traffic controllers can currently manage Credit: Getty The airline's 'League of Delays' revealed that France and Spain have been the most impacted so far this year, with 15,634 and 11,576 flights delayed respectively. The airline has also claimed that 90 per cent of their flight cancellations during the French ATC strikes, could have been avoided if overflights over France were allowed to take place. Many airlines are now calling on Sky ' project which would allow airlines to fly the most direct route possible within the EU. This would mean that airlines would not follow diversions via several points, but instead fly straight to a destination. Last year, air traffic was up by five per cent compared to 2023, with over a third of flights delayed by more than 15minutes on arrival, according to Overall, delays averaged around 21.4minutes per flight. Read more on the Irish Sun Flight compensation rules A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs. What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed? Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late. If you're flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight. You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven't used yet. So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded. But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline. When am I not entitled to compensation? The airline doesn't have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather. Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other 'extraordinary circumstances' are not eligible for compensation. Some airlines may stretch the definition of "extraordinary circumstances" but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled? If you can't claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you. Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer. Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof. If your flight is cancelled entirely, you're unlikely to be covered by your insurance. A budget airline is also set to launch Plus, 3 Strikes, such as those recently in France, have also made the situation worse Credit: EPA
