With the need to decarbonise transport and develop more collective and inclusive mobility, there are many opportunities to improve European rail transport. At the same time, however, opportunities come with multiple challenges, one of this being the lack of financing.

Between now and 2030, rail transport will need significant resources in the short, medium, and long term. Billions of euros will be needed for infrastructure (renewal, interchanges, new lines, etc.) and for the operation of freight and passenger services. The commitments of the Green Deal, and in particular the European Commission’s “Fit for 55” programme, require sustainable and, in part, new resources.

In this brand new CERRE report, the authors, led by ;Yves Crozet identify a number of challenges and highlights important gaps between the ambitions Europe has for its rail sector and the policies and financing required to meet them. On this basis, the report will present policy recommendations and ideas for new forms of financing, drawing from national case studies on Belgium, France, Germany, and Italy.

• A post-Covid recovery is underway, but how significant will it be: a rapid return to the previous situation or a new form of “long Covid” for the railways?
• The dual digital and energy transition brings with it multiple technical challenges. How can the railway system integrate them?
• The commitments of the Green Deal, and in particular the European Commission’s “Fit for 55” programme, require sustainable and, in part, new resources. How can this be supported?
• Public funds are necessary to ensure a smooth green and digital transition of the railway system. But how can they be mobilised?

To get answers to these questions, join us online on March 29, from 11am CET, for a stimulating discussion with MEP Ondřej Kovařík, national regulators, industry players, and the CERRE academic team.

This event is free and open to all,  but registration is required. Viewers will have the chance to submit questions for the panelists during the event.

If you cannot join us live, then the event will be available to replay on the CERRE YouTube channel afterwards.