European rail leaders are urging stronger transport investment to support regional mobility and economic opportunity across the EU.
The Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies has welcomed the European Commission’s forthcoming Right to Stay Strategy, highlighting the importance of rail investment in supporting regional mobility and economic opportunity.
The strategy, launched through a call for evidence by Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto, aims to address challenges preventing citizens from building sustainable futures within their local regions.
European rail industry calls for stronger regional connectivity investment
CER said rail services play a vital role in supporting the “freedom to stay” by connecting people to jobs, education, businesses and essential services without forcing relocation.
The organisation referenced Enrico Letta’s report on the EU Single Market, which argued that freedom of movement across Europe should remain a choice rather than an economic necessity.
Rail operators and infrastructure managers said investment in mobility services is critical to ensuring regional communities remain connected and economically competitive.
According to CER, rail contributes around €247 billion in gross value added across Europe and supports more than 3.1 million jobs. The organisation also stated that every €1 generated through railway transport supports an additional €2.70 across other industries.
CER is participating in the Freedom to Stay Coalition alongside other public service organisations and the European Parliament Intergroup on Services of General Interest and the Social Economy.
The rail sector warned that underinvestment in infrastructure and public transport services risks limiting regional development and reducing access to opportunities.
CER also stressed that stronger connectivity, digitalisation, interoperability and expansion of Europe’s high speed rail network will require stable and predictable long term funding.
The organisation called for effective use of funding mechanisms including the Connecting Europe Facility, the European Competitiveness Fund and National and Regional Partnership Plans as part of future EU budget discussions.
Alberto Mazzola of CER said: “Making sure Europeans are well connected, wherever they choose to live, is an important benchmark for a thriving Single Market.”
He added: “Railways are fundamental to opening up opportunities, but it is easy to take them for granted.”
The rail industry continues to position sustainable mobility investment as a central component of Europe’s long term economic, social and regional development strategy.
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