On 28 and 29 November 2024, rail freight industry leaders gathered with high-level representatives from the Polish authorities and European institutions in Warsaw to discuss the future of rail freight within the context of the current political agenda. Organised by the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) with the International Union of Railways (UIC) and hosted by the Polish State Railways (PKP) Cargo, the event highlighted the essential services that rail freight offers, underscoring the need for recognition and support from decision-makers.
On 28 and 29 November 2024, rail freight industry leaders gathered with high-level representatives from the Polish authorities and European institutions in Warsaw to discuss the future of rail freight within the context of the current political agenda. Organised by the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) with the International Union of Railways (UIC) and hosted by the Polish State Railways (PKP) Cargo, the event highlighted the essential services that rail freight offers, underscoring the need for recognition and support from decision-makers.
The European Union aims to improve the competitiveness of its economy by developing clean industries, strengthening the single market, and enhancing strategic autonomy in areas such as energy, technology, and defence. Efficient, resilient, and sustainable logistics chains are crucial to achieving both the European Green Deal’s policy objectives and improving EU security, with rail freight expected to play a significant role. These points were also emphasised by the representative of the Polish Ministry of Infrastructure, Adrian Mazur and NATO Assistant Secretary General for Executive Management Carlo Borghini during the event.
Good capacity management is key to enhancing cross-border train efficiency, and, with 50% of movements being international, this area is particularly crucial for freight. While the EU Regulation on Capacity Management is currently under revision in Brussels, discussions with MEP Tilly Metz, the rapporteur responsible for the file in the European Parliament, and representatives from the Council and Commission highlighted the railway sector’s priorities, which include making cross-border train circulation seamless, supporting a sustainable single market, clean industrial logistics, and the EU’s defence objectives.
During the event, discussions also underlined the role of combined transport, including a presentation of the latest market report by the sector being given. The ongoing revision of the EU Directive on Combined Transport is essential for the right incentives to be created and freight CEOs welcomed the insights of MEP Flavio Tosi, the rapporteur responsible for the file in the European Parliament. Strengthening coordination between non-road modes of transport is crucial, with each bringing unique advantages to the table. Moreover, with its extensive reach across the EU, rail must be recognised and work in harmony with road transport.
Developing the EU’s defence industry and enhancing readiness for external threats were other key topics on the agenda, with Assistant Secretary General Borghini, from NATO, and Colonel Gert Dobben, from the EU External Action Service, discussing the crucial role of rail freight in supporting logistics, and emphasising the urgent need for transport service readiness.
Looking the future, the event also addressed improving rail services in the Digital Age, focusing on integrated, digital rail freight services. A dedicated panel discussion highlighted the challenges of deploying digital technologies and the benefits of integrated data sharing within logistics chains. For example, full digital freight trains will enhance efficiency, customer service, and safety standards for operations, the workforce, and society.
Facts to consider:
- Rail has nine times less CO2 emissions than road transport.
- Rail is seven times more energy-efficient than road transport. This is of critical importance at a time when Europe is dependent on an external supply for 58% of its energy needs.
- One locomotive driver can replace up to 40 lorry drivers, which constitutes a significant advantage considering the severe shortage of lorry drivers in Europe.
- Rail makes use of the low-carbon energy produced within the EU, and with an increasing contribution from renewables and other sources of low-emission electricity, already providing zero-emission mobility for passengers and freight today.
- The European rail industry is a benchmark worldwide and strengthens the EU’s competitiveness and strategic autonomy on technology.
Comments on the event:
“This annual high-level meeting is a unique forum for freight CEOs. The 2024 event offered an excellent opportunity to address the significant challenges to overcome at part of the EU’s political agenda and the key developments needed for rail freight. Rail freight and its varied services must be recognised, promoted, and supported to achieve a strengthened, sustainable, and interconnected single market. Clean and decarbonised logistics chains are vital for enhancing Europe’s competitiveness, strategic autonomy, security, and defence. We are extremely pleased with the high level of representation at the event, which greatly enriched our discussions.”
CER Executive Director Alberto Mazzola
“The UIC-CER High-Level Freight Forum stands as a unique platform for cooperation among rail freight leaders, addressing the sector’s most pressing challenges and opportunities. Rail freight is not merely a mode of transport but a cornerstone for achieving sustainable, resilient, and interconnected global logistics. By aligning our efforts at forums like this, we can amplify our collective impact and ensure rail freight remains at the forefront of solutions for decarbonisation, digitalisation, and economic growth. The dialogue had and commitment demonstrated here today will shape the strategic priorities for rail freight in the years to come, reinforcing its role as a driver of sustainability and competitiveness.”
UIC Director General François Davenne
“I am delighted that we were able to host this year’s high-level meeting for freight CEOs, especially as it took place just before Poland takes over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. It is great that we were able to cover such a wide range of topics related to rail freight, and I would like to add that combined transport plays a critical role for PKP CARGO, this is the area which we are most eager to develop and strengthen, and this is why we are waiting with great anticipation for the amendments to the directive on combined transport. We hope that the Polish Presidency, with the support of all EU institutions, will make significant progress in this area.”
PKP Cargo CEO Marcin Wojewódka said
