Safe, clean and competitive European aviation — this was the slogan under which the capital of the Małopolska Region became Europe’s aviation capital for two days. The main objective of the Kraków Aviation Summit was to develop a common vision for the development of the European aviation sector that will meet climate, technological and geopolitical challenges while maintaining competitiveness and airspace safety.
The two-day event, held as part of the Polish presidency of the Council of the EU by the Civil Aviation Authority and the Ministry of Infrastructure, was a forum for discussion between politicians and experts.
On 29–30 May 2025, Kraków hosted delegations from the most important EU aviation supervisory institutions, including:
- European Commission,
- European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA),
- European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (Eurocontrol) and
- heads of civil aviation supervisory authorities from EU member states and partner countries.
Also in attendance were members of the European Parliament, representatives of Polish and foreign airports and airlines, as well as industry, including industry organisations, and research institutes.
In an era of such intense development in air transport, we are giving a clear impetus to the discussion on the future of this sector in Europe. Together with our partners from across the European Union, we are clearly expressing our priority — to build modern, competitive and safe aviation, with a view to future generations and a strong European economy, Dariusz Klimczak, Minister of Infrastructure, stated.
One of the measures taken by the Polish presidency of the Council of the EU in aviation, an area that is crucial for all of the EU, was the resumption of work on a new regulation on passenger rights after a 10-year hiatus. The regulation’s primary objective is to clarify the rules on the liability of air carriers and the rights of passengers in this regard.
The event provided an opportunity to showcase the potential of the Polish aviation sector, both in terms of infrastructure and innovative technological solutions that can play a key role in transforming European skies.
“We are promoting key Polish projects, such as the Central Communication Port, which may become a symbol of sustainable aviation development in the region and throughout the European Union”, Minister of Infrastructure Dariusz Klimczak added.
Clean Skies and Competitive Aviation
The debate on the first day of the Kraków summit focused on a key question: How to make European aviation more environmentally friendly without compromising its competitiveness vis-à-vis carriers from other continents? Participants analysed how to combine efforts to reduce CO2 and other pollutant emissions, including through increased production and use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), as well as investment in new technologies and digitalisation while maintaining affordable ticket prices and the strong position of European airlines in the global market.
Security and Reconstruction
The second day of the meeting was dominated by discussions on the importance of aviation and aviation infrastructure for Europe’s security, both in times of peace and in the face of threats. A key point in this debate was the role of regional airports as critical infrastructure, which is vital for national security and helps public administration, institutions, and businesses run smoothly. Another crucial and relevant issue discussed by the participants was the prospects for the reconstruction of civil aviation in Ukraine, including the re-establishment of airline connections, as well as the reconstruction of airports and air traffic management systems.