CER and ESPO – the European Sea Ports Organisation – presented a joint position paper highlighting common priorities for strengthening the link between Europe’s railways and ports and for increasing the performance of inland logistics chains.
European ports and railways are central pillars of the European transport system. Together, they connect Europe to global markets, support industry and territorial cohesion, and contribute to the smooth functioning of the internal market. In the current geopolitical, economic, and climate context, efficient and well-coordinated port-rail connectivity is essential for strengthening competitiveness, resilience, military mobility, and sustainability.
Building on their long-standing collaboration, the CER and ESPO identify key areas where coordinated action can generate additional efficiency and capacity gains.
A coherent European policy framework, backed by adequate funding, is equally necessary. EU instruments such as TEN-T, CEF, and Military Mobility funding play a key role in supporting projects with European added value. In the context of the future Multiannual Financial Framework, the CER and ESPO stress the importance of a strong EU transport budget, including a strengthened CEF, with a budget of at least 100 billion EUR to address infrastructure gaps and enhance connectivity and resilience, while recognizing the importance of the rail-port interface.
In fact, a stronger port-rail interface is essential to achieving Europe’s broader strategic objectives. Ports and railways must function as a coordinated system to support efficient, sustainable, and resilient supply chains.
The CER and ESPO will continue to deepen their cooperation and are ready to work constructively with EU institutions and stakeholders to promote a more coherent and effective approach to port-rail connectivity.
A simpler regulatory framework
The two organizations call for a simplified regulatory framework that better reflects the operational realities of port-rail areas. Simplifying existing rail rules applicable to the port environment—without adding unnecessary administrative burdens and without compromising safety or interoperability—can significantly increase operational efficiency and performance.
“At a time when Europe is focusing on simplification and reducing the regulatory burden, we need a critical assessment of the legislative framework applicable to the port-rail network to identify where rules can be simplified. The operational reality and challenges in ports and the port-rail network differ significantly from those of the national rail network,” said Isabelle Ryckbost, Secretary General of ESPO.
Closer cooperation between port authorities, infrastructure managers, rail freight operators, and terminal operators is essential to overcome bottlenecks and operational challenges.
“By simplifying operations and regulations, as well as through investment and capacity expansion, we can unlock the full potential of rail in port hinterland transport, increase the market share of rail and improve the performance of European logistics chains,” said Alberto Mazzola, Executive Director of CER.
Better coordinated planning, simplified processes, and increased digitization, including improved data exchange, are key elements for increasing capacity, predictability, and reliability.
*Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER)
**European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO)
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