EU GREEN "NOTES" Project Reports

Brussels, 19 September 2025 – The EU GREEN NOTES Project team today held a highly productive meeting with the Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels. Led by Dr. James Hanrahan and colleagues from Atlantic Technological University, Université d'Angers, Universidade de Évora, and the University of Galve, the project team reported on the latest findings of their research into the challenges and opportunities in transitioning Europe’s tourism sector to Net-Zero emissions.

The EU GREEN "NOTES" Project is closely aligned with the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) established in 2022, which requires organisations to report comprehensively on their environmental and social impacts. In support of this directive, the project conducted an extensive Europe-wide survey of universities delivering tourism and hospitality education.

The survey, funded by the EU Green Alliance, covered institutions in Spain, Ireland, Romania, Portugal, and France. More than 65 universities participated, with some submitting multiple responses to reflect the diverse challenges across undergraduate and postgraduate levels of education.

The study revealed the depth of skills and training needed to enable the tourism industry’s transition towards Net-Zero. The findings will support universities across Europe in updating curricula to ensure graduates are equipped with the expertise required for sustainable development. Beyond environmental benefits, the project highlights the potential for a more efficient, profitable tourism industry that enhances local communities and destinations.

Speaking after the meeting, Dr. James Hanrahan commented:

“We are delighted with the engagement and support of the European Commission. This project demonstrates that education and research are central to achieving Net-Zero goals, and universities play a vital role in preparing the next generation of professionals to lead the change.”

The full report, The Net-Zero Challenge for Tourism, is available here: Read the Report

About the EU GREEN NOTES Project

The GREEN NOTES Project is a collaborative initiative supported by the EU Green Alliance, bringing together leading European universities to explore sustainability, tourism, and education. By identifying skill gaps and providing evidence-based recommendations, the project aims to accelerate the tourism industry’s transition to Net-Zero emissions while contributing to stronger, more resilient communities across Europe.

Photo: The EU GREEN NOTES Project team with representatives of the Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport, European Commission, Brussels.