Sector & service specialists

Transport is one of the main pillars of modern societies and economies, responsible for about a quarter of EU total greenhouse gas emissions. The sector has been occupied with major regulatory transitions: phasing out combustion engine cars from 2035 (with an ongoing 2026 review of whether this timeline holds), trucking reforms under the Mobility Package, and the never-ending effort to streamline air traffic control through Single European Sky. These pressures have driven significant growth in Brussels transport representation. 

The 2035 internal combustion engine phase-out is under political pressure. Under the original agreement, a review clause allowed the Commission to assess progress by 2026. With several major automotive manufacturers reporting delays to EV transition plans, and the Volkswagen Group restructuring its European operations, there is active lobbying for extension of the deadline, introduction of e-fuels as a compliant pathway, or other flexibility provisions. The outcome of this review will define the strategic direction for the automotive and energy sectors for the decade. 

US tariffs are severely testing the automotive sector. The 25% tariff on European car exports to the US – even if partially suspended under the EU-US framework agreement – affects German, French, Italian, and Swedish manufacturers significantly. Companies including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen are navigating production location decisions partly in response to tariff dynamics. EU trade defence measures against Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) are simultaneously creating counter-pressure from Beijing and strategic uncertainty for manufacturers with significant China operations. 

Travel and tourism are booming. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, in 2026 Travel & Tourism across the EU is forecast to contribute nearly €1.9 trillion to EU GDP – 10.5% of the economy – and employ almost 26 million people representing 12% of all EU jobs. International visitor spending is expected to reach €573 billion, growing over 11% year-on-year. This sustained growth is creating pressure on infrastructure, skills, and sustainability regulation, with active EU policy work on aviation emissions, maritime decarbonisation, and sustainable tourism strategies.