The Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) emphasises the crucial role of rail for EU defence as it enhancing capabilities amidst rising security threats, such as the invasion of Ukraine.
Enhancing the EU’s preparedness to deter and address such threats has become a top priority on the EU’s political agenda. In a position paper approved unanimously by the CER membership at its recent General Assembly in Brussels on 18 February, CER lays out the steps needed to ensure an enhanced response from the European rail system.
CER says that fundamental measures include:
- Increasing rail network capacity and interoperability by investing in existing and new infrastructure.
- Ensuring harmonised capacity management and implementing digital systems.
- Replenishing and adapting rolling stock for military use.
- Protecting rail infrastructure from hybrid and cyber threats.
- Improving intermodal connections with other transport modes.
- Securing the operational continuity of critical systems.
- Increasing EU and national funding for the railway system.
- Simplifying procurement processes.
- Streamlining procedures for military logistics and establishing effective governance systems for coordination with NATO, which will further improve planning, operational efficiency and response times.
“Investing in rail infrastructure not only enhances transport; it also ensures the security and resilience of the European Union. In the current context, replenishing and adapting rolling stock for military use has become urgent. Railways are the backbone of our defence logistics, capable of efficiently transporting military assets and supporting our strategic objectives. We urge all stakeholders to prioritise these investments to safeguard our future,” CER Executive Director Alberto Mazzola said.
In logistics as well as transport system, rail for EU defence is vital providing efficient, high-capacity, sustainable and secure transport for military assets and convoys.
Therefore, CER urges policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to prioritise investments in rail infrastructure and rolling stock to ensure the EU’s preparedness and resilience. The future of EU defence must be bolstered by robust rail systems that can meet both civilian and military demands, in line with the need to ensure a comprehensive, society-wide approach.
Rail is the best prepared land-based system to deal with the specific characteristics of military assets, which are heavy, oversized and dangerous in nature. The large scale transport of military assets over longer distances within European territory requires railways. Therefore, protecting this critical infrastructure should be a priority, along with strengthening the interconnections and interoperability of each transport network.
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