Railways sectoral social partners conclude joint statement on rail freight

The European Transport Federation (ETF) and the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) signed a joint statement on rail freight, an important result within the framework of the Sectoral Social Dialogue on Railways and one of the first sectoral joint results of the new Commission. 

In their joint statement, the EU social partners in the railway sector underscore the key role of rail freight in Europe's shift towards a sustainable and efficient transport system. It highlights the need to focus on essential areas to secure the future success and competitiveness of rail freight in the EU. Additionally, it calls on decision-makers to strengthen the competitive framework by enacting targeted measures.

The European Transport Federation (ETF) and the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) call for:

• ensuring a level playing field between all modes of transport
• long-term investment in rail freight
• promoting single wagon load and combined transport operations
• digitalization for efficiency of the railway sector
• a strong railway sector cooperation

Read the full ETF and CER statement on rail freight. 

Background

Sectoral social dialogue in the Railways sector has a long history. The European Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee for the Railways was created in 1999, although a previous European Joint Committee was already established in 1972.

Joint actions of EU social dialogue fall within the autonomy of social partners. The Commission promotes the work of social partners at EU level and is committed to strengthen their involvement in EU policymaking, as announced in the Social Dialogue Initiative, adopted in January 2023.