CER calls on the forthcoming long-term EU budget to invest in rail infrastructure and services, arguing rail is essential to Europe’s energy independence and strategic autonomy.
CER highlights rail’s role in reducing fossil fuel dependence and boosting the Single Market, noting significant savings and CO2 reductions from both freight and passenger rail, and potential further gains from a high‑speed rail network. The organization frames rail as a resilient backbone for Europe’s economy, capable of delivering energy efficiency, lower emissions, job support, and growth, while contributing to price stability amid energy shocks. CER Executive Director Alberto Mazzola emphasizes seizing the opportunity to strengthen Europe’s energy security and reduce oil imports, suggesting doubling freight and tripling high‑speed rail traffic could yield massive long‑term savings. The piece also cites Frank Elderson’s warning about fossil fuel dependence posing risks to price stability as context for why rail matters in Europe’s energy strategy.
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