Europe on Rail

In the transport sector far-reaching changes are necessary to meet the EU climate targets. Rail transport plays a major role in mobility transition as it can replace a vast number of flights in a more environmentally friendly manner, especially so in Europe. However, in the past decades many long-distance train services including night trains were discontinued. As major railway connections between EU member states are rare, travelling by train is generally not a suitable alternative to long-distance passenger transport. Against this background, clear political guidelines and concrete policy initiatives are needed to foster European rail transport.

In 2020/21 there were and are special political opportunities to foster rail transport in a sustainable manner: the European Commission presented its Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy which is going to shape EU transport policy for the next decade. In September 2020 the EU Rail Summit took place at which the transport ministers of the EU Member States and representatives of railway companies discussed sustainable European rail transport. 2021 was designated as the European Year of Rail, in the course of which the EU will specifically promote railways as a mode of transport and specifically foster their use by citizens.

The project published an EU Policy Paper on the European Year of Rail. It outlined the main challenges posed by cross-border railway passenger transport and included policy recommendations for EU policymakers. Four national policy papers targeted policymakers, illustrating cross-border railway passenger transport in Poland, France, Germany, and Spain and providing policy recommendations.

To participate in public consultations on the EU Sustainable Mobility Strategy, the project prepared a guide with optional responses and a position paper, disseminating these via various networks. This approach informed the wider public about progressive stances on railway transport and promoted civil society participation. Furthermore, in two internal workshops, Germanwatch and its partner organisations developed a strategy to ensure long-term civil society involvement.

Policymakers, railway companies, and civil society representatives were engaged in three national workshops in Poland, Germany, and Spain. The aim was to garner support for improved cross-border rail transport and encourage progressive stakeholders to take action. An EU policy workshop was also held to build alliances among key actors to advance cross-border railway transport.