Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001923/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Susanna Ceccardi (PfE)
According to multiple sources, the President of the Commission has frequently used charter flights, including on short routes. In 2023 alone, 23 private flights were reported, including three between Brussels and Strasbourg[1][2]. The most recent known flight occurred on 9 May 2025, covering just 187 km between Brussels and Luxembourg.
These trips were mainly justified as necessary for time optimisation, although, with proper planning, alternative transport modes, such as high-speed trains or low-emission vehicles, could have been used.
A private jet can emit up to two tonnes of CO₂ per hour, which equals the average annual emissions of a European citizen. This practice appears inconsistent with the EU’s climate goals and the strict regulations under the Green Deal, which impose significant burdens on European families and businesses.
Could the Commission therefore clarify:
- 1.How many private flights has the President taken since 2019 (specifying routes, costs, justifications and any sustainable alternatives considered)?
- 2.What environmental and financial criteria govern the use of charter flights by the Commission?
- 3.Does the Commission consider that such practices undermine the credibility of the EU’s climate policy in the eyes of European citizens?
Submitted: 14.5.2025
- [1] https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/ursula-von-der-leyen-reist-haeufig-mit-dem-privatjet-a-43cad2ab-1b32-40bb-9c16-ee7540b87a3f.
- [2] https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2024/02/29/i-viaggi-in-jet-privato-di-von-der-leyen-23-voli-in-un-anno-in-3-casi-da-bruxelles-a-strasburgo-la-replica-dovuti-a-motivi-di-tempo/7463780/.