The Commission’s proposal to make 2021 the European Year of Rail - a proposal now in the hands of the co-legislators (see EUROPE 12512/9) - received the support of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on Thursday 23 July.
At its July plenary session, the Committee adopted the opinion defended by Alberto Mazzola, calling on the EU to invest more in the rail sector and boost its profile.
Indeed, the EESC considers rail transport to be “a prime example of intelligent mobility” and believes that it could contribute to the implementation of the EU’s environmental objectives.
“It is the only mode of transport whose CO2 emissions have been declining almost continuously since 1990, despite an increase in transport volumes”, the Committee says.
The European Year of Rail, according to the Committee, should also provide an opportunity to address the issue of passenger services, particularly for people with reduced mobility.
During the plenary session, Mr Mazzola also stressed that he expected this initiative to help “raise awareness of the attractiveness of a career in the rail sector, particularly for young Europeans”, through joint initiatives with the social partners, academia, etc.
Finally, on the subject of young people, the EESC adds that it hopes to see this European Year give a new impetus to the DiscoverEU initiative (see EUROPE 12404/23). (Original version in French by Agathe Cherki)