Leaders of CER, the largest European railway industry organisation, have called on EU institutions to take urgent action to strengthen the role of rail and support the development of the railway sector across Europe. Industry representatives warn that the current situation hinders the effective use of rail transport to achieve the EU’s strategic goals and ambitions.
Alberto Mazzola, Executive Director of the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), and Alan Beroud, CER Vice-Chair and CEO of PKP S.A., have urged the European Commission, the European Parliament, and heads of member states to swiftly adopt and implement necessary measures to create favourable conditions for the ongoing operation and growth of railways.
Their joint declaration, reflecting the sector’s unified stance and appeal, has been submitted to key EU figures including Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Vice-President Raffaele Fitto (Cohesion and Reforms), and Commissioners Piotr Serafin (Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration) and Apostolos Tzitzikostas (Sustainable Transport and Tourism).
Conclusions from the European Railway Summit
The proposals put forward by CER leaders stem from discussions held at this year’s European Railway Summit in Wrocław. The event, part of activities linked to Poland’s recently concluded EU Council Presidency, brought together ministers, heads of railway companies from across the EU, and industry experts. The consensus was clear: without strengthening rail’s position, it will not be possible to effectively meet EU objectives related to competitiveness, sustainability, climate neutrality, and resilience.
Key challenges and calls for investment
“Our call to EU and national institutions highlights the urgent need for action in legislation and financing. Without suitable legal and economic frameworks, railways cannot fully realise their potential or play an active role in achieving the EU’s key targets. This declaration should not be seen merely as an expression of concerns; while we do have worries, we also offer concrete proposals to remove barriers and promote development. We stand ready for dialogue and cooperation, drawing on the experience of CER members. One major issue remains the insufficient pace of railway investment, and it is worth noting that, according to the International Monetary Fund, every additional 1% of GDP invested in rail infrastructure can generate a 1.5% GDP increase over four years,” said Dr Alan Beroud, CER Vice-Chair and CEO of PKP S.A.
Rail’s strategic role
The joint declaration from the European Railway Summit in Wrocław, entitled “Enhancing EU Competitiveness through Transport Decarbonisation and Sustainable Rail Mobility,” dated 30 April, underlines the vital role of rail transport in meeting EU objectives by promoting rail as the safest, most energy-efficient, resilient, and sustainable mode of mobility. It also draws attention to significant obstacles currently impeding railway development.
CER’s role in Brussels and PKP’s involvement
CER is the most active rail organisation in Brussels, representing over 60 members including railway undertakings, infrastructure managers, and associations that advocate for the sector before EU institutions. PKP S.A. has been a full CER member since 2002 and actively participates in its work at both technical and political levels, initiating numerous projects. On 23 September 2024, Dr Alan Beroud was elected CER Vice-Chair, reinforcing PKP Group’s influential role within the organisation.
Share on:
