Europe’s railways and rail supply industry have taken a decisive step toward transforming the continent’s rail system, as CER (Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies) and UNIFE (European Rail Supply Industry Association) jointly reaffirm their commitment to a modern, high‑performing, and future‑ready European railway network.
In a major milestone for the sector, the two organisations signed the European Rail Sector Joint Declaration on 2 February 2026 in Brussels. The declaration lays out clear priorities and shared ambitions designed to strengthen Europe’s rail infrastructure, expand high‑speed connectivity, and reinforce rail’s position at the centre of the continent’s mobility, industrial, and defence strategy.
A Unified Plan for a Stronger, Smarter, Greener Rail System
CER and UNIFE emphasised their responsibility as custodians of Europe’s rail system — from operations and maintenance to advanced technology supply. Their shared vision focuses on several key pillars essential to shaping the railway of the future:
- Stronger safety standards
- Increased network capacity
- Seamless cross‑border operations
- Reduced system costs
- Ongoing investment in research and innovation
The rail sector faces major modernisation demands and rapidly intensifying competition, making substantial investment in infrastructure, R&D, and EU‑backed funding critical. With sufficient political support, the sector is prepared to accelerate deployment of vital initiatives, including:
- The European high‑speed rail network
- Enhanced military mobility
- Full continent‑wide rollout of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS®)
Driving Economic Strength and European Resilience
The EU rail ecosystem already contributes an impressive €247 billion to the EU economy and supports over 3 million jobs. With rail sitting at the intersection of clean mobility, industrial competitiveness, territorial cohesion, and defence, CER and UNIFE stress that rail is not just a transport mode — it is a strategic asset.
They reaffirmed their readiness to work in partnership with EU institutions, including the European Union Agency for Railways and Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking, acknowledging that genuine progress relies on collaborative effort across the ecosystem.
Leadership Voices: Backing Rail as the Backbone of Europe
UNIFE Director General Enno Wiebe underscored rail’s unmatched potential:
“Rail is the only mode of transport that can achieve all the goals Europe has set for itself – a reduction in emissions, better continental defense, greater innovation and boosting growth. By supporting rail, the sector and policymakers can help ensure a stronger Europe.”
He added:
“We must own the direction we travel in, which is why the European Rail Supply Industry and operators have joined forces on this document. We understand the needs of the sector, and so it is on us to offer up our own vision.”
CER Director General Alberto Mazzola highlighted the sector’s unified determination:
“Europe’s railways and rail supply industry are united behind a clear vision for the future of our system. With the right political backing and adequate EU funding, we stand ready to deliver a safer, more efficient and more competitive railway for all Europeans — for the passengers who rely on us year-round for 8 billion trips, and for the rail freight customers who depend on reliable, high quality services to keep Europe’s economy moving. The challenges ahead are significant, but so is our determination. By working closely with our partners in the EU institutions, we can ensure that rail continues to strengthen Europe’s connectivity, resilience and industrial leadership.”
Image credit: Unife
