UNIFE Proposes Using ETS Revenues to Fund Europe’s High-Speed Rail Network

UNIFE suggests that the transport sectors with the highest emissions should help fund Europe’s future high-speed rail network. The group has put forward a financing plan to back the EU’s long-term goals for rail.

UNIFE has suggested several ways to help fund a future European high-speed rail network, which is expected to need about €345 billion in investment.

The proposal suggests using money raised from the European Union’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), especially from industries like aviation and heavy fossil fuel users. UNIFE says these sectors could help pay for more sustainable transport infrastructure across Europe.

The rail supply industry association also wants to create infrastructure bonds supported by future revenues, such as passenger fares and freight charges. This could attract private investors, pension funds, and sovereign wealth funds.

UNIFE Is Calling for Stronger Funding Support from the EU

UNIFE also wants high-speed rail projects to receive support from the EU’s new €409 billion Competitiveness Fund. The group says a European high-speed network matches the recommendations in the Draghi Report.

The organization is also asking the EU to raise the Connecting Europe Facility budget from the current draft of €51.7 billion to €100 billion for the next Multiannual Financial Framework from 2028 to 2034.

UNIFE also says the EU should update its Public Procurement Directives to address security concerns about foreign state-controlled suppliers. The association believes rail infrastructure should be seen as critical, especially for military mobility.

Plans for European High-Speed Rail Are Progressing

The European Commission announced its High-Speed Rail Plan in November 2025. Financing proposals are expected in September 2026.

UNIFE Director General Enno Wiebe said Europe should now shift from political support for high-speed rail to real talks about financing. He also cited a 2023 EY report that estimates a European high-speed rail network could bring €750 billion in economic benefits through growth and jobs.

_{Source: UNIFE}