The European rail industry association UNIFE stated that the lack of stable investment and a harmonized regulatory framework threatens the global competitiveness of European rail equipment manufacturers and suppliers, and calls into question the achievement of decarbonization goals. According to the association, annual investments of €46 billion are needed to transition to eco-friendly rolling stock and maintain the industry’s position.
UNIFE raised this issue on January 28 during the Rail Forum Europe event, held at the European Parliament in Brussels. The association emphasized that maintaining Europe’s technological leadership amid increasing competition from non-EU suppliers requires continued public-private funding for research and development at the European level, especially given that rail engineering in some countries receives ongoing state support.
UNIFE also warned that the funding shortfall following the end of the current program will weaken the European industry precisely at a time when EU policy is focused on increasing competitiveness and strategic autonomy. The association proposed a financial model allocating approximately €3 billion under the EU’s 10th Framework Programme for Research and Innovation for 2028–2034 and up to €15 billion through the European Competitiveness Fund for the preliminary implementation of mature technologies. These funds should support the transition from R&D to large-scale implementation of solutions on EU rail networks, including key technologies such as the next-generation FRMCS communication system and the digital automatic coupling (DAC), aimed at digitalizing and improving the efficiency of freight transport.