Rail, a solution for the future
Safe, environmentally friendly, and creating links between territories and border countries, the railways have all the assets to become the preferred mode of transport for passengers and freight.
Accelerating the transition to sustainable and intelligent mobility
The European Year of Rail is in line with the European Green Deal, which sets the European objective of climate neutrality by 2050. To support achievement of this objective, the European Commission encourages all major rail operators and infrastructure managers to engage in a progressive reflection on the future of rail.
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7%of passengers and 11% of goods travel by rail in Europe. Rates are still very low. -
0,5%of the greenhouse gas emissions in Europe are produced by rail. A real asset for developing rail traffic.
“Now, more than ever, is the time to develop the use of rail. It is time to ensure that all regions have modern infrastructure and solid connection networks. The time has come for smarter, more accessible and more user-oriented services. This is the perfect time for the European Year of Rail.”
Elisa Ferreira, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, at the launch conference of the European Year of Rail on 29 March 2021
What to expect from the European Year of Rail
The European Year of Rail is a unique opportunity to highlight the benefits of rail! Throughout 2021, innovative practices and major projects will be shared through conferences, debates, exhibitions, etc. on a European scale.
In this context, major operators and infrastructure managers in all Member States are invited to propose actions to promote the attractiveness of rail transport, both to the public and private sectors. These actions should enhance the multiple dimensions of European rail, including:
- its innovative character at global level
- its role in European culture and heritage
- its ability to connect territories, people and businesses
- its involvement in the European Union’s relations with member countries
- its part in sustainable tourism
Dates for your diary!
Whether as an organiser or simply a participant, SNCF Réseau will include its events throughout the year in the calendar of the European Commission, which is coordinating this symbolic year.
Find the full programme of events on the European Commission’s official calendar
Upcoming events include:
10 July: The Future of Mobility after the Pandemic
This is a Conference which aim to start a debate among main stakeholders of the sector on how the mobility will change after the pandemic crisis and which will be the impact on public transport in cities, for instance with the new organization of work and the increase of smart working solutions, and freight transport, with particular reference to the role of rail.
29 July: Veyn'Art 2021, touristic, artistic and historic train
Welcome onboard of a 1974 railcar from where passengers can discover South of Alps landscapes from Sisteron to Briançon, and Veynes.
2 Septembre: Departure of the Connecting Europe Express in Lisbonne
Discover all the places the train will go through during its trip from Portugal to Estonia, and Greece.
Europe's railways: a springboard for SNCF Réseau projects
Forging cooperation, seeking funding, contributing to technological and regulatory developments... SNCF Réseau’s Europe Division works with other infrastructure managers and European institutions to promote the company’s ambitions, projects and positions. European financial contributions represent a powerful leverage effect for creating value in French territories and promoting cross-border interoperability. This broad spectrum of cooperation is illustrated in particular by major projects such as the modernised Serqueux-Gisors line, the Lyon-Paris high-speed line, or the railway hubs in Lyon, Strasbourg and Mulhouse.
Towards a single European railway area
2021 will see the full implementation of the 4th railway package, whose 6 proposals will make a significant leap towards the realisation of a Single European Railway Area. Its objective is clear: to have a more efficient European rail network offering seamless cross-border mobility.
To support this drive for rail, the European Commission’s legislative programme includes proposals for a new rail industrial partnership, better rail links with other modes of transport and greater overall sustainability of freight transport.
Elisa Ferreira European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms“The European Union plans to build around 580 km of new railway lines by 2023 and to rebuild almost 6,000 km of existing lines. We must ensure that the main European lines are connected to the regional lines, so that no region, no country, is left behind.”