Austrian becomes first president in the central governing body of EUROCONTROL With the Austrian aviation expert Karin Puleo-Leodolter, for the first time a woman takes on the important international office of President in the EUROCONTROL Provisional Council.
The head of the Air Group in the Austrian Civil Aviation Authority at the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI), Karin Puleo-Leodolter, has been elected President of the Provisional Council of the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL). A historic step: For the first time since Austria joined EUROCONTROL in 1993, Austria takes the leadership of this central governing body – and for the first time in its history, the Provisional Council is led by a woman.
With this election, Austria strengthens its position within the European aviation organisation and gains additional opportunities to help shape strategic decisions. At the same time, the first female presidency underscores the growing importance of diversity in international decision-making structures.
Federal Minister Peter Hanke congratulates the new president: "This election is a special recognition for the Austrian aviation administration. Austria impressively shows that we can help shape and take responsibility at the European level. I warmly congratulate the new president on this great success!"
The Provisional Council is one of the key governing bodies of EUROCONTROL. It oversees policy decisions, is responsible for implementing the general direction set by the Permanent Commission of EUROCONTROL, and prepares the resolutions of the 41 member states.
The new president assumes office during a phase of crucial decision-making for European aviation – particularly regarding safety, efficiency, digitalisation and ecological sustainability. Central future issues for EUROCONTROL include the decarbonisation of aviation and the system's resilience in crisis situations.