EU-Rail Grows: Five New Members Set to Revolutionise Europe’s Railways

Europe’s railway sector just got a major boost. Five new Associated Members have joined the Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking (EU-Rail), bringing fresh ideas, cutting-edge expertise, and a wider geographical reach.

This expansion, following the Call for Expression of Interest, is all about pushing forward a more competitive, digital, resilient, and sustainable railway network across the continent.

With these additions, the programme now extends its reach across Austria, Portugal, Spain, and Slovenia. These new members bring fresh expertise in critical technological and operational areas, ensuring that EU-Rail continues to push the boundaries of railway innovation. Their collaboration with the Founding Members will be instrumental in designing a high-performance rail system that meets the evolving demands of both passengers and businesses.

Driving Innovation in a Critical Moment for European Rail

Magda Kopczyńska, Director-General for Mobility and Transport at the European Commission, said, "The expansion of EU-Rail’s membership marks a significant milestone in advancing a modern, digital, and climate-resilient Single European Railway Area." She pointed out that by integrating the expertise of new Associated Members with the Founding Members, the EU can accelerate research and innovation, paving the way for a more efficient, sustainable, and globally competitive rail sector.

The timing couldn’t be better. With Europe’s ambitious climate targets and the pressing need for sustainable transport solutions, the rail sector is under increasing pressure to innovate. According to the press release from EU-Rail, these five new members will play a crucial role in delivering the Multi-Annual Work Programme (MAWP) and supporting technological advancements in line with key European strategies, including the Clean Industrial Deal, the Competitiveness Compass, the European Green Deal, and the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy.

Giorgio Travaini, Executive Director of EU-Rail, sees this as a crucial moment for collaboration. "The EU-Rail Membership is a unique example of how the rail sector works with the EU: clients, suppliers, and academia invest to research, innovate and look together at strategies towards the deployment of successful and interoperable European solutions." He added that the diverse expertise of these new members will be key to achieving a fully integrated European railway network fit for the 21st century.

Meet the Five New Members Shaping EU-Rail’s Future

So, who are these new players in the EU-Rail ecosystem?

From Spain, Acciona Construction S.A., a subsidiary of Acciona S.A., will focus on strengthening railway infrastructure resilience. Given Europe’s increasing climate challenges, their work on climate adaptation strategies will be critical for the sector’s long-term sustainability.

From Austria, Frequentis brings its expertise in ICT solutions, telecommunications, and cybersecurity. As Europe advances towards the next-generation rail communication system, their work in safety-critical systems and AI-driven predictive maintenance will be crucial.

Portugal steps in with Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP) and the Alliance, a collaboration involving multiple Portuguese companies, including an infrastructure manager, railway undertaking, suppliers, research institutes, and universities. Their focus? Digital twins, AI-integrated sensors, and edge computing for predictive maintenance, along with circular economy solutions and climate resilience measures.

Another Austrian addition, Kontron, will contribute to next-generation rail communication systems, digital and connected onboard solutions, and regional rail enhancements. Their expertise in telecommunications and cybersecurity will help modernise the sector’s digital backbone.

Rounding out the list is XLAB D.O.O., a cross-border alliance spanning Slovenia and Spain. This group, comprising a Slovenian railway undertaking, an infrastructure manager, an SME ICT provider, and a Spanish railway maintenance company, will concentrate on AI-driven predictive maintenance, monitoring, and inspection.

With these five additions, EU-Rail is reinforcing its role as a driving force behind European railway modernisation. It’s a step toward a future where trains aren’t just greener and more efficient, but also smarter, safer, and more interconnected than ever before.

Source: Europe's Rail Press Release