CZ/SK verze

CER and EIM CEOs Decide on the Next Steps to Reach Europe's Climate Goals

CER and EIM CEOs Decide on the Next Steps to Reach Europe's Climate Goals
photo: CER/CER and EIM CEOs Decide on the Next Steps to Reach Europe's Climate Goals
25 / 11 / 2022

European rail infrastructure CEOs from the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) and the Association of European Rail Infrastructure Managers (EIM) gathered in Naples on 23 November for their annual high-level meeting. They reaffirmed their goal of providing the necessary infrastructure and capacity to reach Europe’s climate and transport goals. They are urging policymakers to put the necessary framework conditions in place.

The discussion focused on the current revision of the Trans-European Network for Transport (TEN-T), which, once finalized, must provide the infrastructural basis required for the successful implementation of the European Green Deal and its Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy goals. CEOs concluded that the timely implementation of the TEN-T network is of utmost importance, but was very much dependent on the amount of funding and the framework conditions in place.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss modal shifts. The participants identified and discussed certain measures needed for capacity management and European Traffic Management, such as a quick implementation of Timetable and Capacity Redesign (TTR) and Digital Capacity Management (DCM), as well as the rollout of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). In this context, a surgical and quick review of the rules regulating timetabling, making them more flexible and attuned to the market is required. The participants concluded that the implementation of TTR, DCM, and ERTMS is an important step towards more rail capacity. However, the sector relies on the speedy finalization and implementation of the legal framework currently developed by the European Commission.

The rail infrastructure CEOs also discussed the impact of the current energy crisis on infrastructure managers’ sustainability goals and how the concept of sustainability is integrated into daily business strategies at their companies. Participants agreed that a common approach to certain aspects of sustainability might be useful to boost the contribution of the rail sector in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

This year’s High-Level Infrastructure Meeting (HLIM) took place in Naples on 23 November 2022 at the National Railway Museum of Pietrarsa at the invitation of the Italian rail infrastructure manager Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI). Jointly organized by CER and EIM, this annual meeting between the heads of rail infrastructure companies provides a platform for exchanging information and experiences, to find standard solutions to support rail traffic in Europe.

CER Executive Director Alberto Mazzola said: “The Green Deal requires a fundamental shift of traffic to rail that can be accommodated only with a dramatic increase in rail capacity and infrastructure. Such an increase can be achieved through political commitment at national and European level to an accelerated ERTMS deployment and TTR implementation, as well as to the construction of new rail lines for passenger and freight traffic.”

EIM’s Executive Director Monika Heiming said: “Rail infrastructure managers are essential to reach EU’s geostrategic, green and digital objectives. The focus on cross-border rail through different initiatives such as the TEN-T, ERTMS, and TTR / DCM is essential to make rail a highly competitive mode of transport. To that end, the 2022 HLIM provides an excellent occasion to exchange on the measures needed. Only together can we move forward.

Source: CER Press Releases

Tags