Rail sector urges EU to back follow-up to Europe's Rail Joint Undertaking as budget negotiations advance

Four European rail associations have written jointly to senior European Commissioners calling for EU support for a follow-up to Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking (EU-Rail) – a new public-private rail partnership for the next EU Budget cycle.

The letter was signed by the European Rail Supply Industry Association (UNIFE), European Rail Infrastructure Managers (EIM), the Community of European Railways and Infrastructure Companies (CER) and the International Union of Wagon Keepers (UIP). It calls on the EU to back a follow-up programme as part of the current EU Budget negotiations, with announcements on future European research programmes expected later in 2026.

The signatories argue that EU-Rail is vital to the deployment of key technologies including the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS), Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) and the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), and that a continuation is essential to keeping European companies competitive against heavily subsidised global rivals, particularly from China.

“A dedicated Railway Joint Undertaking is essential to maintain Europe’s technological leadership, competitiveness and industrial strength. Continuing will support jobs, exports and Europe’s strategic autonomy by keeping railway innovation and manufacturing in Europe.”

Why discontinuation would set Europe back

The letter warns that discontinuing the Rail Joint Undertaking would fragment European research efforts, slow the deployment of common solutions, weaken Europe’s industrial base and ultimately increase the cost and duration of railway transformation.

The associations argue that modernising and digitalising Europe’s rail network is not optional – improvements are essential if Europe, with its railway actors and its industry, is to remain competitive while meeting its climate and mobility goals – including military mobility.

Enno Wiebe, Director General of UNIFE, said: “A dedicated Railway Joint Undertaking is essential to maintain Europe’s technological leadership, competitiveness and industrial strength. Continuing will support jobs, exports and Europe’s strategic autonomy by keeping railway innovation and manufacturing in Europe.”

He added: “It is important because it provides long-term investment in rail innovation and technology, and brings the entire European rail sector together to develop common solutions and standards. With it, we can accelerate the deployment of key technologies such as FRMCS, DAC and ERTMS.”