Karima Delli spent 15 years in the European Parliament.
Having served three successive terms under the French Greens and chaired the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism for over seven years, Karima has dedicated her political life to bettering the European mobility landscape.
During her time as Chairwoman of the Transport Committee, Karima launched the European Startup Prize for Mobility. Going into its sixth edition, this competition is an opportunity for green mobility startups across Europe to drive transformative change for mobility just as she has done.
Zag Daily: How did you become so passionate about sustainable transport?
Ms Delli: “From the start of my political career, I saw transport as much more than a means to get from A to B. Transport is a vital thread in the fabric of society – it connects people, creates economic opportunities, and shapes our environment. However, it also accounts for nearly a quarter of Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions. My passion stems from the belief that sustainable transport is the key to addressing not only climate change but also social inclusion, urban development, and public health. Making mobility greener and more accessible can profoundly transform lives and societies.”
Zag Daily: What are you most proud to have worked on during your time as Chair of the European Parliament’s Transport Committee?
Ms Delli: “I’m incredibly proud of championing the Clean Mobility Package which set stricter CO2 emission standards for cars and vans. It was a pivotal moment in shifting the automotive industry toward electrification and ensuring Europe remains a leader in green innovation. This policy was about more than just emissions; it was about sending a strong signal to industry and citizens that sustainable mobility is no longer optional—it is the future.”
Zag Daily: What opposition did you face getting this package passed?
Ms Delli: “The greatest challenge was balancing diverse interests – from industry stakeholders and national governments to environmental advocates and citizens. Some feared the economic impact of transitioning to greener technologies. My approach was to demonstrate that sustainability and economic growth go hand in hand. By showcasing successful examples of innovation within Europe, we built momentum for change and ultimately proved that ambitious policies can benefit both the planet and the economy.”
Zag Daily: Can you explain how sustainable transport goes hand-in-hand with economic growth?
Ms Delli: “Sustainable transport is not just an environmental necessity; it’s also a powerful driver of economic growth. Investing in green mobility solutions creates high-quality jobs, from manufacturing electric vehicles and batteries to building charging infrastructure and developing digital mobility platforms. It also reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels, freeing up resources to invest in innovation and local economies.
“A concrete example is the revival of rail transport, which is a key lever for achieving our climate goals while boosting the economy. Investing in railway infrastructure, high-speed trains, and cross-border services not only cuts CO2 emissions but also improves connectivity between European regions. This drives sustainable tourism, facilitates trade, and strengthens local value chains.
“Sustainable transport also makes cities more liveable by reducing congestion and air pollution, which enhances public health and productivity. Cleaner and more efficient transport systems attract businesses and talent, creating dynamic economic ecosystems. The European Green Deal demonstrates that ambitious climate objectives and economic prosperity can go hand-in-hand, provided we embrace innovation and collaboration. By leading in sustainable mobility, Europe can strengthen its global competitiveness while protecting the planet for future generations.”
Zag Daily: What do you think is the biggest challenge for Europe’s sustainable transport industry today?
Ms Delli: “The main obstacle remains the need for a coherent and ambitious European-wide infrastructure strategy for sustainable transport. Without adequate charging networks for electric vehicles, better rail connectivity, and investment in urban mobility solutions, we risk lagging behind. Funding innovation and aligning public and private efforts will be crucial to overcoming this barrier and making sustainable transport accessible to all Europeans.”
Zag Daily: What are you currently focused on to improve the accessibility of sustainable transport?
Ms Delli: “My priority is to continue advocating for green mobility solutions, particularly around decarbonising freight and investing in public transport infrastructure. In the next year, I’d like to see greater commitments to rail electrification, urban mobility innovation, and cross-border cooperation for sustainable transport networks. Beyond policy, I’m focusing on empowering startups and entrepreneurs through the European Startup Prize for Mobility to bring bold ideas to life.”
Zag Daily: What inspired you to launch the European Startup Prize for Mobility?
Ms Delli: “The vision was simple yet powerful: to create a platform that identifies and supports the most innovative and sustainable mobility startups across Europe. Transport is evolving rapidly, and the solutions to our challenges – whether reducing emissions, improving accessibility, or integrating new technologies – are often driven by startups. Today, as we face unprecedented environmental and social challenges, this vision is more relevant than ever. The Prize continues to bridge the gap between innovators and decision-makers, scaling up solutions that have a real impact on mobility and sustainability.”
Zag Daily: What advice would you give mobility startups applying to the European Startup Prize for Mobility?
Ms Delli: “Focus on how your solution addresses the biggest challenges in sustainable transport, whether that’s reducing emissions, enhancing accessibility, or creating smarter infrastructure. Show us how your idea can scale and contribute to the European Green Deal objectives. Lastly, be clear about your vision and the practical steps you’ve taken so far—it’s your passion and commitment that will stand out.”
Zag Daily: Who is one woman in the sustainable transport industry who inspires you and why?
Ms Delli: “One woman who inspires me is Christiana Figueres, who played a pivotal role in the Paris Agreement. While not directly in transport, her work demonstrates the power of vision and perseverance in tackling climate change. Her leadership reminds us that transformative change is possible when we work together and stay committed to bold goals.”
