photo: Geoff Henson / Flickr/South Eastern terminus for The Elizabeth Line; illustrative photo
European rail leaders met to address challenges in infrastructure, funding needs, and resilience in delivering a high-performance rail network.
The Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) and the Association of European Rail Infrastructure Managers (EIM) have held a gathering in Vienna, discussing critical challenges and priorities in strengthening Europe's rail network. Rail infrastructure CEOs from across the continent participated in the High-Level Infrastructure Meeting (HLIM), co-organized by CER and EIM, focusing on resilience, funding, and future development.
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Addressing Resilience in the Face of Crises
According to CER, preparedness and resilience in times of crisis were central themes. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, such as flooding and heavy rainfall, along with cybersecurity threats and sabotage, are putting European rail infrastructure under growing pressure, as RAILTARGET previously reported. According to the participants, collaboration and knowledge-sharing among European Infrastructure Managers (IMs) are crucial in developing infrastructure that can withstand these challenges. CEOs highlighted the urgent need for precautionary measures and backup systems to address the evolving threats to rail networks.
"Resilience of railway infrastructure is crucial for a strong, prepared and connected Europe," said Alberto Mazzola, CER Executive Director. "Discussions like today’s facilitate a common approach to the optimization of available rail capacity and the completion of the European rail network. Sufficient funding at both European and national levels is crucial for maintaining, upgrading, and renewing existing infrastructure, as well as for developing new projects. Much of the EU's infrastructure is currently saturated, and the next multiannual financial framework must recognize the critical role of rail in Europe," he added.
The CEOs also discussed the funding requirements for a high-performance rail network in Europe. The implementation of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), the establishment of high-speed connections between European capitals, and the digitalization of rail systems require a coordinated effort to secure long-term funding. The meeting underscored that the TEN-T network's successful delivery is not possible without adequate financing from both national and EU financial frameworks.
A Platform for Collaboration and Future Solutions
The HLIM serves as an annual platform for information exchange and collaboration, where rail leaders develop common solutions for enhancing rail traffic and improving the attractiveness of rail services for customers. This year’s event was hosted by ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG in Vienna and pointed out the need for realistic, step-by-step planning to build a resilient, future-ready rail system across Europe.
"Rail infrastructure managers are essential to make the European single market more resilient and connected. The 2024 HLIM provided an excellent occasion to exchange the measures needed to achieve these objectives. Together, we create a secure, green, innovative, and resilient European rail network for all," said EIM Executive Director Monika Heiming.
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Source: CER; EIM