European rail industry leaders have welcomed parliamentary support for increased long term transport investment and stronger infrastructure funding mechanisms.
The Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies has welcomed support from the European Parliament for increased long-term infrastructure investment within the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework.
The Parliament adopted its Interim Report on the proposed 2028 to 2034 Multiannual Financial Framework, outlining the need for a larger and more predictable EU budget focused on future-oriented investment.
Rail sector calls for stronger long-term EU infrastructure funding
CER said the position sends an important signal to the EU Council regarding the scale of investment required to improve European competitiveness, resilience and transport connectivity over the coming years.
The organisation welcomed calls to strengthen key funding instruments including the Connecting Europe Facility and Horizon Europe programmes. Rail industry leaders continue to advocate for at least €100 billion in Connecting Europe Facility funding to support strategic transport infrastructure projects across Europe.
CER also stressed the importance of coordination between EU funding mechanisms, particularly where the Connecting Europe Facility focuses on cross-border projects while other schemes support wider national and regional transport networks.
The rail sector highlighted the importance of developing a fully interoperable and digitalised railway system capable of supporting industrial competitiveness, energy security and regional cohesion.
Future investment is also expected to support the development of a European high-speed rail network alongside stronger regional and local rail connectivity, improving access to economic opportunities across the EU single market.
Alberto Mazzola of CER said: “CER thanks the European Parliament for setting out a strong, future-oriented investment vision with this Interim Report.”
He added: “Rail are at hand to deliver a more efficiently connected continent, but to do so we must rely on stable funding.”
CER warned that some ongoing legislative discussions risk reducing the priority given to rail investment and called for continued ambition as EU institutions develop future funding tools.
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