Europe is entering an important period for aviation policy as Ireland prepares to take over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July to 31 December 2026.
With competitiveness, decarbonisation and security high on the transport agenda, the coming months offer an opportunity to ensure that Europe’s aviation policies remain ambitious, but also practical and proportionate.
For business aviation, this means recognising the sector’s role in providing flexible, point-to-point connectivity across Europe, while ensuring that climate measures reflect operational realities. Future decisions on the Emissions Trading System, sustainable aviation fuel and wider aviation strategy must support decarbonisation without creating disproportionate administrative burdens.
A credible transition will require access to workable tools, including SAF recognition mechanisms such as book-and-claim where physical uplift is not available. Europe can lead in sustainable aviation, but only if its policy framework is fair, effective and designed around how aviation actually operates.
