EU Parliament calls for tighter sanctions on Russia and support for transport sector
The EU Parliament’s plenary session on 5 May adopted a resolution for more sanctions on Russia and extra support for the transport sector. Rail was not explicitly mentioned, despite the parliament acknowledging that “the conflict...Read more
Brussels approve additional support for war-related losses in Germany
The EU Commission approved an additional 11 billion euro state aid scheme directed to Germany. The umbrella scheme, as the Commission calls it, is complementary to the 20 billion euros allocated to Germany in late...Read more
Germany: 20 billion euros state aid for war-related losses, rail also to benefit
The first wave of EU state aid for war-related losses is here. The European Commission approved a 20 billion euros state aid scheme to relieve German companies suffering due to the war in Ukraine and...Read more
TEN-T revision is on the right track for intermodal transport
The ongoing TEN-T regulation amendment seems to be on the right track to support the growth of intermodal and combined transport. “The infrastructure parameters for longer trains, the provision of sufficient track capacity for them...Read more
Ukraine’s rail link to the west is EU’s top priority
The rail transportation links from Ukraine to Europe are now more important than ever. These links are not only a channel of refugee for those fleeing the country, but also the most important channel for...Read moreThe EU plans state aid for companies impacted by sanctions
SANCTIONSThe EU is coming up with a new state aid mechanism to help those affected by the sanctions, said Kristian Schmidt, director of land transport in the EU Commission. European companies suffer losses due to...Read more
New EU sanctions have direct impact on transport, rail excluded
A fifth package of sanctions has been announced by the EU. Among others, the EU wants to ban Russian and Belarusian road transport operators, as well as Russian vessels and Russian-operated vessels from accessing EU...Read more
Commission releases 120 million euros for Spanish modal shift
Another state aid scheme by the EU Commission now targets Spain. 120 million euros will be made available to the Spanish government through the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), targeting the greening of rail freight...Read moreCommission pumps millions for intermodal development in Italy and Czechia
Last week the EU Commission approved two state aid schemes, one for Italy and one for the Czech Republic. Both of them aim to boost the intermodal sectors of the countries. In Italy, the focus...Read moreEU Commission proposes legislation to protect countries from coercion
The European Commission has proposed the creation of a legislative tool that will protect the EU Member States from coercion by third countries. The Commission wants to ensure that through the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI), countries...Read more
European Commission puts state aid to DB Cargo under scrutiny
The European Commission has launched an investigation to find out to what extent certain aid measures by the German government for DB Cargo are in line with EU state aid rules. The committee reports that...Read more
EU support measures for rail during pandemic possibly extended
The EU Commission has proposed to extend the possibility to reduce or waive track access charges, in order to continue support for the railway industry throughout the pandemic. It is suggesting to prolong the support...Read more
Freight is missing in EU’s long-distance Action Plan
On the same day the TEN-T regulation was revised, the European Commission published the Action Plan to Boost Long-Distance and Cross-Border Passenger Rail. Such a plan is also needed for rail freight, says the UIRR....Read more
The revision of the TEN-T Regulation is here, this is on Europe’s agenda
The European Commission has published its proposal for a revised Regulation on Union guidelines for the development of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). The revised TEN-T Regulation is in line with the European Green Deal’s...Read more
‘EU not pushing hard enough for intermodal case’
The intermodal sector should be bold, and make a case for the sector in Brussels and at home, said Barbara Thaler, Tyrolean Member of the European Parliament and TRAN Committee member at the start of...Read more
A new era starts for women in rail
CER and ETF have officially signed the Women in Rail agreement which is ready for implementation right away. The agreement focuses on promoting women in the sector, from the recruitment process, female employee retention and...Read more2,5 billion German rail support approved
The European Commission has given the green light for a 2,5 billion euro support package of the German government to support the rail sector in the coming years. The money should benefit both rail freight...Read more
The Fit for 55 package – good news for rail?
The European Commission has unveiled its ambitious ‘Fit for 55’ regulatory package. The objective is to deliver at least a 55 per cent reduction of EU greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. This is considerably higher...Read more
TEN-T 2013-2020 has passed the test
The TEN-T planning and decision-making process has been effective in helping the EU move towards efficient infrastructure. However, the objectives of greater sustainability and increased benefits for users still require a lot of attention.This is...Read more