The long-term budget (MFF) and recovery plan for the transport sector presented by European Commission has been welcomed by the railway industry. But, it is not sufficient for an overall shift to green mobility, says the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER). The plan was presented by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 27 May.

“CER welcomes the European Commission’s intentions to “boost … rail travel and clean mobility in our cities and regions” through a reinforced long-term budget (MFF) and a recovery plan. However, it is key over the coming weeks that greater detail and ambition are shown for green and sustainable transport. While the maintenance of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for transport budget is a positive signal, it is not sufficient for an overall shift to green mobility”, commentary of the European-wide railway organisation read.

CER Executive Director Libor Lochman said: “CER believes that the recovery instrument proposed by the commission yesterday should enable movement towards green mobility, and ensure that the improvements in air quality for cities are maintained. CER therefore calls upon the European Council in its discussions on the MFF and recovery fund to reinforce public transport such as rail to match citizens’ ambition for a more sustainable society.”