Brussels, 17 February 2025
Edited by Insight EU Monitoring – Check against delivery
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is an honor to be here among such esteemed company to celebrate rail and those who have contributed so much to its success in Europe. What better place to mark a renaissance in rail than this gathering of industry leaders, policymakers, and visionaries?
As we enter a new chapter in EU policymaking and rail travel, we must remember the past. Trains have played a pivotal role in shaping Europe, both socially and economically. During the ‘Golden Age’ of rail, from the late 19th to the early 20th century, train travel was more than just transportation—it was an experience, an adventure, and even a luxury. It revolutionized how people connected across our continent.
Today, my focus is clear: bringing people and businesses back to rail and accelerating its renaissance.
Rail at the Heart of the EU Agenda
The good news is that making rail more attractive is now a priority at the highest levels of the EU. This is also thanks to the fantastic work of the three individuals we are celebrating this evening.
President von der Leyen has underlined the need to facilitate cross-border train travel. We are already working on two key initiatives:
- Improving high-speed rail connections.
- Making it easier to purchase tickets involving multiple operators.
Both the Letta and Draghi reports emphasize the importance of a European high-speed rail network seamlessly linking EU capitals and major cities. Recognizing the economic impact of such connections, this initiative is also part of the Competitiveness Compass for the EU.
By 2025, we will present our proposal for a European high-speed rail network. This will build on past achievements, address technical barriers, and focus on funding, economic sustainability, and rolling stock availability. Our approach will prioritize passenger experience, ensuring better journey times, services, and affordability.
Rail’s Strategic Role in Security and Defense
Beyond mobility, rail infrastructure is now a crucial element of European security. Military mobility has become a top priority, with 500 identified projects aimed at strengthening transport infrastructure, particularly railways.
Our work on high-speed rail and military mobility will play a key role in discussions on the EU’s next long-term budget. Cross-border rail connections—both for civilian and military purposes—must be central to these talks. The Commission has already launched a stakeholder consultation, and I urge you to make the railway sector’s voice heard loud and clear.
Improving Rail Operations and Passenger Experience
To make cross-border rail travel seamless, we need three key enablers:
- Physical Infrastructure – Investments in high-speed networks and interoperability.
- Train Drivers’ Certification Reform – Addressing language requirements that hinder cross-border operations.
- Simple and Transparent Ticketing – A Single Digital Booking and Ticketing Regulation will ensure passengers have full transparency on fares and can easily book tickets across different operators.
Passengers must have confidence in reliable connections and strong rights in case of disruptions. Alongside ticketing improvements, digitalization will play a transformative role in enhancing efficiency and safety.
Driving Rail’s Digital Transformation
A prime example is the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). While delays in its rollout have been costly, we now have a deadline to phase out national signaling systems on the TEN-T network. This will require close cooperation between infrastructure managers, public financiers, and industry players.
Another key innovation is Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC), which could be a game-changer for rail freight. Thanks to Europe’s Rail and sector-wide collaboration, we now have a standardized DAC product. The next challenge is its deployment across Europe. The Commission supports launching DAC-equipped trains on selected commercial routes by 2027, as part of a pioneer phase.
Unlocking Rail’s Full Potential
While the Commission pushes forward common solutions like ERTMS and DAC, implementation lies in the hands of the industry. The opportunities offered by the 4th Railway Package and revised technical specifications for interoperability must be fully embraced.
For instance, while the number of EU-authorized rail vehicles is increasing, truly ‘go-everywhere’ wagons, coaches, and locomotives remain the exception rather than the rule. Without embracing industrialization, market opening, and digitalization, progress will stall. The risk? Investors, both national and European, may look elsewhere—to sectors with a greater appetite for change.
The Impact of Market Opening
The gradual opening of the rail market is already delivering positive results, especially for passengers.
Where competition has been introduced:
- Operators have improved their services.
- Prices have dropped.
- Ridership has increased.
In Italy, Spain, and France, competition in domestic rail services has led to a spectacular drop in ticket prices and a surge in passenger numbers. In Spain alone, ridership grew by 10 million passengers in just two and a half years. On routes also covered by air travel, an overwhelming 85% of passengers now choose trains over planes.
However, rail freight remains more complex. Different market segments operate under varying dynamics, and competition coincides with a shift away from bulk cargo—where road transport is highly competitive. Nonetheless, a recent Commission study found that greater competition has lowered operational costs and prices.
Building the Future of Rail Together
Ladies and gentlemen, I won’t keep you much longer. But it’s important to reflect on where we stand, where we are headed, and the role each of us plays in shaping the future of rail.
Tonight, however, is about more than plans and priorities. It is about celebrating achievements that bring us closer to a stronger, more connected, and more sustainable railway system.
So, before we return to tackling our daily challenges, let’s take a moment to recognize why we are here—the European Railway Awards!
Thank you, and enjoy the evening!
Source – EU Commission