Europe’s leading rail CEOs convened for the 75th General Assembly and Management Committee meeting of the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) to define their strategic work programme for 2025 and beyond.
During the meeting, Álvaro Fernández Heredia, Chairman and CEO of Renfe, was unanimously appointed as a member of the CER Management Committee for the remainder of the 2024-2025 term. The assembly also reaffirmed its commitment to key rail priorities, including:
- Funding and financing for railways – ensuring sustained investment, particularly within the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
- Digitalisation and deployment of key rail technologies, such as the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS), Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC), and Digital Capacity Management (DCM).
- Military mobility, aligning with the European Commission’s focus on defence and security.
- Expansion of high-speed rail to connect all EU capitals, increase long-distance market share, and drive a sustainable modal shift.
The meeting also assessed the effectiveness of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) Regulation and the completion of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). While the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) has supported TEN-T projects, concerns remain over future funding under the next MFF, particularly as a new CEF may not be included. To address this, the CER proposed:
- Guaranteed funding – maintaining dedicated rail investment at EU and national levels to ensure timely TEN-T implementation.
- Cross-border rail investment – managing funding at the EU level for key projects, including ERTMS, and ensuring preferential co-financing rates for large-scale technological developments.
- Enhanced policy coordination – integrating transport priorities into the European Semester and Competitiveness Framework, standardising national investment plans, and consulting stakeholders.
- Improved climate and digital tracking – refining RRF methodologies to reflect rail’s sustainability benefits and energy efficiency.
CER Chair Andreas Matthä, CEO of ÖBB Holding AG, stressed the need for greater financial commitment. “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. A minimum of EUR 100 billion in EU co-financing is essential, along with the continuation of the vital Connecting Europe Facility,” Matthä said.
“Rail infrastructure investment is an investment in Europe’s future. By prioritising digitalisation, sustainability, and connectivity, we can build a resilient and efficient transport network that meets the needs of citizens and businesses. High-speed rail will play a crucial role in linking EU capitals and major cities, driving economic growth and a sustainable modal shift. Enhanced rail-maritime connectivity in ports will also strengthen international trade,” CER Executive Director Alberto Mazzola added.
As Europe looks to strengthen its rail sector, CER members continue to push for a modern, well-funded network capable of meeting the continent’s long-term transport and economic objectives.
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