From 2025, French rail giant SNCF will split its freight arm SNCF Fret into two companies as part of a restructuring agreed with the European Commission. The new companies — rail operator Hexafret and service company Technis — will continue to operate under the SNCF Rail Logistics Europe division, which will avoid the return of €5.3 billion, classified by the regulator as illegal state aid.
The restructuring, according to SNCF, will ensure stable revenues estimated at €700 million, which is in line with SNCF Fret. However, French trade unions — CGT-Cheminots, Unsa-Ferroviaire, Sud-Rail and CFDT-Cheminots — are strongly opposed to the division of the company and are planning an indefinite strike from December 11. They fear that the reduction in state support will weaken the competitive position of rail transport and lead to an outflow of freight to road transport.
The SNCF reform follows a decision by the European Commission, with a similar measure being discussed for DB Cargo in Germany, reflecting a broader trend towards creating competitive conditions in the European rail market.