The Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) has published a new position paper calling for a coordinated and well-funded approach to strengthen Europe’s rail network for military mobility.
The paper outlines key recommendations on infrastructure investment, rolling-stock modernisation, cybersecurity, procedural simplification, and governance, positioning rail as a critical enabler for European security and defence.
Rail as a backbone of European military mobility
As geopolitical tensions and security priorities evolve, railways are set to play an increasingly strategic role in swift military movements across Europe. CER stresses that both physical and functional readiness of the rail system are essential to ensure resilient cross-border operations in crisis situations.
Europe already has a comprehensive framework for transport integration under the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). The EU has identified four priority military mobility corridors and 500 critical hotspots requiring upgrades to meet military standards.
CER notes that most TEN-T parameters align with military mobility requirements, but implementation remains uneven and underfunded. Accelerating these investments would not only enhance defence logistics but also bring long-term benefits for civilian transport.
Funding and investment priorities
CER calls for ambitious and predictable EU funding to accelerate work along the identified corridors and hotspots, with particular attention to rail-port connections, which serve as crucial logistics hubs for military deployment.
The association also highlights the need to continue digitalisation and signalling upgrades, notably through the rollout of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), which enhances interoperability and system resilience.
Modernising rolling stock for dual use
A key priority identified by CER is the modernisation and expansion of rolling stock suitable for both civilian and military purposes.
The paper advocates EU financial support for new dual-mode (diesel-electric) locomotives and multi-purpose wagons such as flatbed, low-bed, container, and tank cars. CER proposes a pooled asset system to ensure sufficient availability for military and civilian use, improving flexibility in crisis response.
Strengthening cybersecurity and simplifying procedures
With increased digitalisation, railways warn of greater exposure to cyber threats and call for enhanced protective measures for critical systems.
CER also identifies key areas for procedural streamlining, including:
- Customs and diplomatic clearances;
- Coordination of exceptional convoys and hazardous materials transport;
- Simplified rolling-stock certification processes to reduce time and cost.
The organisation emphasises that any procedural reforms must preserve the highest levels of safety and operational reliability.
Enhancing civilian–military coordination
To ensure swift mobilisation in times of crisis, CER recommends improved coordination mechanisms between civilian operators and defence authorities.
Proposals include:
- Establishing clear chains of command and standardised response procedures;
- Introducing ‘readiness contracts’ between rail companies, public authorities, and military services;
- Conducting regular joint training and military drills to improve interoperability and asset recovery following potential infrastructure damage.
A systemic approach to Europe’s defence readiness
CER underscores the importance of a systemic, cross-border approach to overcome fragmentation and ensure consistent readiness across the European network. The association argues that investments in rail infrastructure should be seen as dual-use spending, delivering both civilian and defence resilience.
The organisation hopes the forthcoming EU Military Mobility Package, currently being prepared by the European Commission, will tackle remaining infrastructure, capability, and procedural challenges faced by railway undertakings.
“Railways must be ready to deliver in times of crisis”
Alberto Mazzola, Executive Director of CER, said:
“In order for railways to ensure swift services in times of crisis, there is a need for a systemic approach to the railway system, to overcome fragmentation. Many infrastructural improvements are already underway with the implementation of the TEN-T but increasing and accelerating investments is urgently needed, for example by leveraging security-related spending for critical infrastructure as part of defence investments.
“CER members underline the strong overlaps between civilian and military needs and the value of investing in a resilient rail network that delivers seamless services for all.”
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