Eurofima has adopted a revised long-term strategy to increase accessibility to rolling stock financing by expanding its range of rail vehicle types to now include trams and metros.
The reforms approved by Eurofima allow for the financing of a wider range of rail vehicles and give more cities and regions access to affordable, long-term financing. As a result, the revised strategy will enable the purchase of more trains, trams, and metros in Europe.
“Eurofima’s updated strategy brings our mission closer to the areas where mobility needs are growing fastest – in urban areas, regional systems and cities working to modernise and decarbonise their rolling stock, not just trains, but now also trams and metros,” said Christoph Pasternak, CEO.
Changes include financing the purchase of urban vehicles
Under the new framework, Eurofima is significantly expanding its scope of action, being able to finance not only mainline trains, but also trams and metros, as well as infrastructure service vehicles.
The new rules allow for more attractive financing terms, with repayment periods extended beyond 2056, in line with the long life of railway assets. In addition, Eurofima can interact directly with regions and sub-national entities, as specified in the revised statutes, and has the possibility to waive the requirement for guarantees in certain cases assessed on the basis of risk.
“Our financing facilitates investments by rolling stock owners in modern fleets at lower costs, in line with the lifespan of the assets, now even beyond 2056. This benefits citizens, the climate, and the European rail industry,” said Elena Bukina, CFO of Eurofima.
The expansion of financial instruments, including forfaiting* and buyer credits guaranteed by export credit agencies, opens up new opportunities for strengthening public rail transport systems in Europe, thus contributing to more efficient and sustainable mobility.
Rail transport is one of the most sustainable forms of mobility, and through this strategic change, Eurofima aims to accelerate the implementation of low-emission rolling stock, while also helping to reduce congestion and CO2 emissions in urban areas, improving comfort and accessibility for passengers, and supporting European train and component manufacturers.
Forfaiting* – refers to the sale of commercial receivables or unpaid invoices to a financial institution (forfaiter) without the possibility of recourse. In practice, the company holding the receivable obtains immediate liquidity and transfers the risk of non-payment to the financial institution.
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