Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001604/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Kostas Papadakis (NI), Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos (NI)
With the constant ferry ticket price hikes brought on by shipowners, travel to the islands has become a luxury and a premium commodity. The costs of using new fuels in the context of the EU’s Fit for 55 regulation are passed on by shipowners to passengers. Promising to keep prices down, the Greek Government is slashing port fees by 50 % as of 1 May 2025, constituting yet another gift for shipping groups.
In light of the above, can the Commission answer the following:
- 1.What view does it take of the fact that, as a result of the ‘green’ strategy and the promotion of the Fit for 55 regulation, the already incredibly expensive fares for passengers, vehicles and goods are constantly subjected to further increases – such as those applicable from 1 May 2025 – while shipowners increase their profits?
- 2.What view does it take of the fact that the strategy to liberalise maritime transport, as reflected in Commission communication COM(2014)232, leads to higher profits for shipowners through ‘guaranteed profits’ and numerous tax exemptions, while working people and passengers are exposed to the risks of travelling on very old boats and, especially in winter, islands are left without maritime transport for days on end?
- 3.What view does it take of the calls to immediately reduce the prices of tickets and fares for passengers, vehicles and goods by 50 %, without granting new subsidies and privileges to shipowners, and to guarantee free travel for the unemployed, students, those in the military and people with special needs or chronic conditions, as well as reduced rates for pensioners, large families and substitute teachers, doing away with the unacceptable system whereby schoolchildren above the age of 10 normally have to buy a ticket?
Submitted: 22.4.2025
Last updated: 30 April 2025