Rail is the future – the European Commission recognises this and is paying special attention to it in 2021. As part of the Green Deal, rail transport is to be given a special boost this year in the European Year of Rail as a sustainable, safe and innovative mode of transport.
The European Green Deal
The transport industry is responsible for a quarter of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions. Rail is the only mode of transport that is able to achieve economic growth whilst reducing its emission levels.
The goal is for Europe to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050 – this was announced by the EU at the end of 2019 as part of the “Green Deal”. Two moves towards climate neutrality include the ever-increasing electrification of rail and green traction current, which is produced entirely from renewable energy sources. Rail freight transport is the sustainable logistical backbone of the economy. This means it has a very important role to play. After all, rail the only way we can bring our climate targets on a par with economic growth, and in turn, with the growth of the transport industry.
The Year of Rail
The “European Year of Rail” should raise awareness about the modal shift from road to rail. “There’s no doubt that railway transport means huge benefits in most areas: sustainability, safety, even speed”, EU Transport Commissioner Adina Valean emphasises in reference to the European Year of Rail.
This means that rail is the only sustainable form of land transport, both now and at least for the next 10 to 20 years. If we’re going to combat climate change and reach our climate targets on a European and a national level, we urgently need to increase rail transport volumes.
The Year of Rail is our chance to raise awareness, to secure funding and ensure that resolutions on fair transport policies are passed. We also feel a great sense of responsibility. In 2021, our prime focus lies in modernising the industry so that we keep on making it more attractive and more productive. For a Europe worth living in.
Let’s make 2021 the European Year of Rail!