European rail CEOs set Strategic Vision & Key Priorities for 2025

An evaluation was also conducted on the Recovery and Resilience Facility Regulation. The completion of the Trans-European Networks for Transport (TEN-T) is vital for the European rail sector. The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) has funded TEN-T projects despite its limited budget. However, the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) may not include a new CEF, potentially shifting to a model based on national investment plans, like the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). To ensure adequate funding for TEN-T and other rail priorities, corrections are necessary:

• Guaranteed Funding: Maintain rail sector envelopes at EU and national levels for budget certainty and ensure timely implementation of EU priorities and TEN-T parameters.
• RRF Spending and Cross-Border Sections: Manage funding for cross-border rail projects, including ERTMS, on the EU level. Provide preferential co-financing rates for cross-border sections and large-scale EU technological projects.
• European Semester & Competitiveness Framework: Focus on transport issues, encourage reforms, and allocate investments in rail. Consult stakeholders in national investment plans and standardize reporting procedures.
• Climate Tracking, Digital Tagging, and Energy Efficiency: Adjust RRF methodology to better reflect rail technology and operations. Set energy efficiency targets recognizing rail’s advantages.

CER Chair Andreas Matthä, CEO ÖBB Holding-AG, said: “The Community of European Railways sends a clear message today: substantial dedicated funding for rail infrastructure, especially cross-border projects, is critically needed. Given the complexity and long-term nature of these projects, the EU budget structure must support the full implementation of the TEN-T network. To achieve this, a minimum of 100 billion euros in EU co-financing is essential, along with the continuation of the vital Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)”.

CER Executive Director Alberto Mazzola said: “Rail infrastructure investment is an investment in Europe’s future. By prioritizing digitalisation, sustainability, and connectivity, we can ensure a resilient and efficient transport network that meets the needs of our citizens and businesses. High-speed rail, in particular, will play a crucial role in connecting all EU capitals and major cities, fostering economic growth, and promoting a sustainable modal shift. Higher rail maritime connectivity in ports will increase rail modal shift in domestic and international trade”.