CER Backs Mario Draghi’s Report on Boosting European Economy Through Rail Investment

The Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) has supported a new report authored by former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi.

The report outlines key priorities for boosting the European economy, including significant investment in rail infrastructure, and the importance of funding to advance the EU's transition to a net-zero economy, with a specific focus on the comprehensive European High-Speed Rail (HSR) network development.

According to CER's press release, the Community fully agrees with the report’s recommendations, particularly the call for the allocation of EU Emission Trading System (ETS) revenues to support investments in industry decarbonization and digitalization. "This report gives a strong understanding that well-functioning transport networks and services, and a prosperous transport industry, are crucial to the competitiveness of the entire EU economy," CER stated.

Draghi’s report also highlights the importance of public funding, urging the EU to reinforce financial support for cross-border connections, national links with cross-border impact, and military mobility. He advocates for Member States to increase public investments in transport, utilizing cross-financing and launching transport revenues for transport investment. The report aligns with CER’s long-standing position that ETS revenues should be directed toward sustainable transport initiatives, such as rail, to reduce emissions and advance the EU’s climate goals.

A significant part of the report focuses on the creation of a high-speed rail network that would connect all EU capitals and major cities, a move that CER believes would greatly enhance the attractiveness of rail travel across Europe. The proposed network, which would require an estimated EUR 550 billion in investment, is projected to generate net positive benefits of EUR 750 billion by 2070. "Investing in a comprehensive European HSR network delivers added value to European society and massively reduces the environmental footprint of European passenger transport," the report states.

Additionally, the report stresses the need to close the innovation gap in the rail sector through digital advancements and technologies. It echoes CER’s calls for adequate funding for key technological enablers such as the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS), Digital Capacity Management (DCM), and Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC). These innovations, along with the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and fast railway services across Europe and require significant investment for widespread deployment.

The Draghi report, which will shape the European Commission’s work program under President von der Leyen, positions rail as a cornerstone of the EU’s strategy to achieve a sustainable, competitive, and net-zero economy.

Source: CER