Ioanna Katsarou
This keynote speech will outline European Union’s strategic for aviation,focusing on ATM, sustainability, competitiveness, and innovation. Recent challenges, such as pandemic disruptions, airspace limitations due to geopolitical tensions, and environmental concerns, highlight the urgent need for reform in European air traffic management.
The Single European Sky 2+ (SES2+) regulation marks a new era for European air navigation, promoting streamlined, sustainable practices through technology. It aims to boost operational efficiency and integrate drone services.
Technological advancement is key, with initiatives like the SESAR project spearheading progress in air traffic management. The European Commission is urging stakeholders to engage in research and development to drive digital and automated solutions for the future.
Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) are central to our environmental strategy, as outlined in the ReFuelEU Aviation, aiming for increased SAF uptake to support Europe's energy diversification and economic growth. Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP) will address barriers to boost eSAF production, creating leadership opportunities.
The European Commission is committed to maintaining global aviation leadership by fostering modernization and sustainability. Collaboration and innovation will enhance Europe’s connectivity and competitiveness, aligning with our 2050 climate neutrality goals.
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Short Bio
Ioanna holds a Bachelor’s degree in European Economics from Athens University of Economics and Business and a Master’s in Economics of Markets and Organisations from the Toulouse School of Economics. She has worked with UNHCR and Airbus, and since 2012 has been with EUROCONTROL, contributing to the Single European Sky Performance Scheme, budgeting, and SESAR Programme cost-benefit analysis.
Since March 2022, she has been seconded to the European Commission as a Policy Officer at DG MOVE, initially in Aviation Policy (MOVE E1), focusing on sustainable finance, airport electrification, aviation taxation, and high-level stakeholder engagement. In 2025, she joined the Single European Sky Unit (MOVE E3), continuing her work on SESAR. She is fluent in Greek, English, and French.