Europe on Alert: CER Calls for Stronger Rail Investment in Military Mobility Plan

European railways are stepping up their role in Europe’s defence preparedness. In a new policy paper, the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) outlines key recommendations to strengthen military mobility, from infrastructure upgrades and funding priorities to cybersecurity, governance, and dual-use rolling stock.

As central actors of military mobility, European railways have identified key recommendations for the EU’s new package of measures to enhance military movements across the continent. In a policy paper published by CER, the sector assesses infrastructure fitness, financing priorities, rolling-stock sufficiency, procedural streamlining, cybersecurity, and governance adequacy. A systemic approach to the railway system is essential to meet Europe’s short-term mobility needs while delivering long-term civilian and military benefits.

Infrastructure and Network Readiness

Rail plays a leading role in enabling swift military movements across Europe. The right physical and functional conditions must exist on the rail network to ensure smooth cross-border operations. Under the Trans-European Network for Transport (TEN-T) framework, the EU has identified four priority military mobility corridors and 500 critical hotspots needing upgrades to meet defence standards. Most TEN-T parameters already align with military mobility needs, but implementation remains incomplete.

Funding and Investment

Predictable, ambitious funding is crucial to accelerate upgrades along corridors and hotspots and to integrate railways with EU ports, key nodes for military transport. At the same time, Europe must sustain ongoing transformations such as the ERTMS rollout, which strengthens rail system interoperability and reliability.

Rolling Stock and Fleet Capacity

An urgent renewal of military-capable rolling stock is required, backed by EU financial support. Dual-mode (diesel-electric) locomotives and versatile wagon types(flatbed, low-bed, container, tank) should form the core of a dual-use fleet capable of serving both civilian and defence purposes. A pooled asset system could manage availability across operators, provided overall capacity meets demand.

The @EU_Commission has recognised the essential role rail will play in #EUdefence in its White Paper.

👉CER urges to prioritise investments in rail infrastructure and rolling stock
👉Defence must be bolstered by rail systems that can meet both civilian and military demands pic.twitter.com/Jw2XzedlX1

— CER🚆 #OnTrackForEurope (@CER_railways) March 20, 2025

Security and Procedures

While digitalisation streamlines operations, CER warns of heightened cyber-threat exposure. Priorities for procedural improvement include customs and diplomatic clearances, coordination for exceptional convoys and dangerous goods, and shortening the rolling-stock certification process.

To ensure rapid mobilisation during crises, effective civil-military coordination and clear command structures are vital. CER proposes "readiness contracts" within framework agreements between railway companies, military services, and public authorities, combined with regular joint drills and staff training.

CER reaffirms the rail sector’s commitment to EU-wide defence readiness ahead of the planned 2027 Military Mobility Area. The association hopes that the European Commission’s forthcoming Military Mobility Package will decisively tackle the remaining infrastructure, capability, and procedural gaps affecting railway undertakings.

"In order for railways to ensure swift services in times of crisis, a systemic approach is needed to overcome fragmentation. Many infrastructural improvements are already underway under the TEN-T, but increasing and accelerating investments is now urgent. By leveraging security-related spending for critical infrastructure, Europe can strengthen a resilient rail network serving both civilian and military needs," stated CER Executive Director Alberto Mazzola.

Source: CER Press Release