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On 23 October, during the Plenary session in Strasbourg, the European Parliament held a debate highlighting the crucial role of rail in Europe’s transport system. Commissioner Didier Reynders underscored how the railway sector has proven indispensable during times of crisis, such as in the initial stages of the war in Ukraine, where rail played a vital role in maintaining lifelines through the Solidarity Lanes. Reynders emphasized the railway sector’s potential to become the backbone of a sustainable European transport system, driving efforts to meet Europe’s green transition targets.

Reynders also recognized the need to modernize Europe’s existing infrastructure, noting that upcoming negotiations on the Railway Capacity Regulation will focus on optimizing the allocation of network capacity. This modernization will ensure more efficient use and increased connectivity across the network.

Commissioner Reynders stressed the importance of continued investment to ensure rail freight competitiveness. Key initiatives for this include the deployment of 740-meter-long trains, adherence to necessary standards, extension of terminals, and ongoing modernization of the rail network. These initiatives will help to optimize the use of existing infrastructure while accommodating increased demand for freight services.

This debate reaffirms the European Commission’s commitment to building a harmonized Single European Rail Market. With dedicated market opening measures and harmonized standards, the railway sector can unlock significant benefits for Europe’s economy and contribute to a greener, more connected continent.