A FIRESIDE CHAT WITH EUROPEAN COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT ADINA VĂLEAN - Europe’s roads, rivers, trains, and ports have become a critical element in the European Union’s (EU) support to Ukraine. One year ago, less than three months after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the EU launched the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes to provide an avenue for the export of Ukrainian grain and import of aid to the people of Ukraine. Since then, Solidarity Lanes have become a critical artery of Ukraine’s resilience in the face of Russia’s invasion. They demonstrate the value of reinforced connectivity in the European transport infrastructure and also support the EU’s actions to make the European transport system smart, sustainable, and resilient in line with EU’s climate and digital ambitions.

As Commissioner for Transport, Adina Vălean has the responsibility for the Solidarity Lanes and the implementation of the European Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy to make Europe the first climate neutral continent, for which cooperation with the United States remains critical. Against this backdrop, Commissioner Vălean joins the Atlantic Council for a discussion on the role and future of the Solidarity Lanes and the role of the transatlantic relationship in developing sustainable and resilient transportation infrastructure.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 05/22/23