You realize that the individual EU countries that those same politicians represent are promoting rail travel over air travel for short haul flights for their own citizens.[1] France themselves actually passed legislation regarding this.[2]. And I know the Netherlands has made a similar attempt at legislation.
I believe consistent messaging from leaders regarding climate action does actually make a difference to the people they are asking to think and acting responsibly regarding their impact on on our fragile climate.
The EU just last year promoted "2021 the European Year of Rail."[3][4] And Adina Vălean, the European Commissioner for Transport has been very vocal about this promotion of long-distance and cross-border passenger rail travel across the continent.