On 9–10 June, the annual ICAO EUR/NAT DGCA Meeting was held in Apulia, Italy, bringing together the Directors General of Civil Aviation from Europe and the North Atlantic Region for the 2026 session, followed by the “Industry and Innovation Day” organized by the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC).

The meeting gathered senior representatives of Civil Aviation Authorities from Europe, the North Atlantic, Central Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East, reaffirming the importance of international cooperation and coordination in maintaining high levels of safety, efficiency, and sustainability within the global aviation system. Greece was represented by the Governor of the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA), Dr. Christos Tsitouras.

This year’s agenda focused on the future of international civil aviation, the enhancement of aviation safety, the sustainability and resilience of Civil Aviation Authorities, and the sector’s adaptation to the technological and environmental challenges of the coming decade. Discussions centered on strengthening the institutional frameworks governing national aviation authorities, accelerating the ratification of international air law conventions, and exchanging best practices in aviation oversight and regulation.

During the “Industry and Innovation Day,” participants were introduced to innovative technological solutions expected to shape the future of air transport. Emphasis was placed on Remote Tower technologies, the development of regulatory and operational frameworks for spaceports, and green innovation technologies aimed at reducing aviation’s environmental footprint and supporting the achievement of international sustainability objectives.

The participation of the Governor of the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority highlighted Greece’s continued presence in international civil aviation developments and reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to actively contributing to the creation of a safe, innovative, and sustainable aviation environment, fully aligned with the strategic priorities of ICAO and the European aviation community.

The HCAA Governor, Dr. Christos Tsitouras with Mr. Hassan Boulfelfel, Director General of the Algerian National Civil Aviation Agency