EC, ERA, and EU-Rail Join Forces at InnoTrans 2024 to Showcase Rail Innovations

The European Commission, ERA, and EU-Rail are jointly participating in InnoTrans 2024, showcasing cutting-edge rail innovations and hosting discussions that highlight the EU’s commitment to sustainable, smart, and competitive transport.

At InnoTrans 2024, the joint Europe for Rail stand (Hall 27, Stand 511) is offering a unique opportunity for visitors to engage in discussions with experts from the rail and mobility sector, as well as decision leaders and policymakers, and witness firsthand the latest breakthroughs in rail technology, including more than 20 different advancements from the EU-Rail R&I program.

A highlight was the VIP visit to the EU-stand taking place on 24 September at 11:30, in presence of German Minister for Digital and Transport, Dr Volker Wissing and Director for Land Transport at the European Commission, Kristian Schmidt, featuring a launch of a digital Catalogue of Solutions. The innovations reflect the EU's broader goal to shift freight transport from road to rail, contributing significantly to the achievement of the European Green Deal.

Magda Kopczyńska, Director-General for Mobility and Transport at the European Commission said: "InnoTrans has always been a key event for the Commission, but this year it feels especially timely. President von der Leyen has emphasised the next mandate's focus on sustainable prosperity and competitiveness in her political guidelines, and rail is central to both. With its strong sustainability credentials and vast potential to enhance competitiveness, rail is exactly what we aim to highlight at our EU stand this year, alongside ERA and Europe’s Rail!"

An unparalleled kick-off of the event was the arrival of a special European train from Brussels to Berlin, organized by Europe’s Rail and its members and partners. The high-level passengers, including Mr Georges Gilkinet, Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium and Minister for Mobility, Ms Tilly Metz, Member of the European Parliament, Mr Kristian Schmidt, Director for Land Transport at the European Commission, Mr Rodrigo da Costa, Executive Director of the European Union Agency for the Space Programme, Ms Paloma Iribas Forcat, Chairperson of the Management Board of ERA, CEOs of EU-Rail membership and the media attended panels and workshops on topics such as rail benefits for passengers, deployment of new solutions, the importance of women in rail, and the advancements on digitalisation.

At the arrival in Berlin, high-level passengers were greeted for a welcome ceremony by Ms Ute Bonde, Senator for Urban Mobility, Transport, Climate Action and the Environment for the State of Berlin, Mr Richard Lutz, CEO of Deutsche Bahn and Vice-Chair of the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) and Mr Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility, and Chairman of the European Rail Supply Industry Association (UNIFE).

Giorgio Travaini, Executive Director at the Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking said, "I am proud to kick-off our participation to InnoTrans with this European train, showcasing the commitment of all rail stakeholders and the European Union to make a real impact on travelling green. This 6-hour journey gives us the opportunity to enjoy a moment of discussion and reflection on future rail innovations and opportunities that will make rail and Europe more attractive and competitive in the years to come."

Josef Doppelbauer, Executive Director and the European Union Agency for Railways commented, "European spirit means freedom of movement – this spirit is alive on this train: moving Europe towards a sustainable and safe railway system without frontiers."

During the week a series of events are taking place, such as Speakers Corners on Digital and DAC, Climate, and Attractive and Affordable Rail Services. Furthermore, InnoTrans 2024 is hosting the Women in Rail awards, celebrating the contributions of the remarkable women making strides in the rail industry. Currently, women represent only 20% of the rail workforce, and the EU is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the sector. By promoting upskilling and reskilling initiatives, the EU encourages young talents and women to join the rail industry and help shape its innovative future.

Source: Europe's Rail Press Releases