UNIFE and CER have signed a Joint Declaration of the European Rail Sector, which sets out the common direction and firm commitment of the two associations to support the development of railways in order to meet future requirements.

“Rail is the only mode of transport that can meet all the objectives that Europe has set itself – reducing emissions, strengthening continental defense, stimulating innovation, and boosting economic growth. We must take responsibility for the direction we are heading in, which is why the European rail equipment industry and operators have joined forces in drafting this document. We understand the needs of the sector, and it is our responsibility to put forward our own vision,” said UNIFE Director General Enno Wiebe.

Through the joint statement, UNIFE and CER, together with their members, assume their role as railway administrators and their responsibility for their ongoing transformation. The vision of the two associations includes strengthening safety, increasing capacity, facilitating seamless cross-border services, reducing system costs, and investing in research and innovation. “These are our key priorities,” the two entities say.

“European railways and the railway industry are united around a clear vision for the future of our system. With the right political support and sufficient EU funding, we are ready to deliver a safer, more efficient, and more competitive railway for all Europeans. The challenges ahead are significant, but so is our determination. By working closely with our partners in the EU institutions, we can ensure that rail transport continues to strengthen Europe’s connectivity, resilience, and industrial leadership,” said CER Director General Alberto Mazzola.

Faced with urgent modernization needs and increasing competitive pressures, the European rail system requires substantial investment in infrastructure, research, and development. With adequate EU funding and strong political support, UNIFE and CER are committed to contributing to the achievement of key European objectives, including the implementation of a European high-speed rail network and military mobility, as well as the continent-wide implementation of ERTMS.

In their joint statement, the two associations call on “the institutions of the European Union to accompany them in this endeavor, offering their support and partnership to make this vision of a harmonized, future-oriented, and globally competitive rail system a reality.”

The EU rail ecosystem contributes EUR 247 billion to the GDP of the European economy and supports over 3 million jobs. Railways are at the crossroads of clean mobility, industrial competitiveness, territorial cohesion, and efficient military mobility; more than that, they are essential assets for achieving these objectives.

“We are ready to fully assume our role in modernizing the railway system and the essential function it has for Europe’s competitiveness and resilience. We want to walk this path together with our partners, in particular with the European institutions, including the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) and Europe’s Rail JU, firmly believing that progress can only be achieved through a joint effort,” the two associations add.