The transport ministers of the EU Member States met in Prague on Friday 21 October for an informal meeting on rail transport.
Due to the energy crisis, much of the discussion focused on possible ways to save electricity in the rail transport sector. Several avenues were put forward by the competent ministers, such as the introduction of new rolling stock which, according to the Czech transport minister, Martin Kupka, would make it possible to “save 30% of energy for rail passenger transport”.
In addition, the electricity supply could also be streamlined, the lighting system could be updated to be more energy-efficient and the locomotives’ consumption could be measured in order to have, for instance, more refined data.
The use of nuclear power for trains was also discussed and several Member States shared their national experiences, with some explaining that several companies in the EU had decided to slightly lower the temperature inside the trains or to run them a little slower.
The ministers then discussed the revision of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and the place of rail transport within it. On this topic, the focus was on missing high-speed rail links, such as between Berlin and Amsterdam or between Prague and Berlin.
Improving the efficiency of connections to Ukraine and Moldova
In addition to train speeds, the ministers discussed the issue of efficient connections, starting with those within the EU, as well as those between Moldova and Ukraine.
“We were in broad agreement on the need to set up these connections. Other transport-related measures are also being prepared, particularly for cereals. There is also the issue of transporting refugees. We looked at what has been done in Europe over the past 6 months, all of these measures have been successful”, said the Czech transport minister Martin Kupka.
In addition, still on the subject of efficient connections, the transport ministers discussed the issue of transhipment facilities, as well as the issue of rail gauge. “We were inspired in our discussions by Spain, which has variable gauge axle vehicles”, added Mr Kupka.
Trains as attractive as planes
Finally, part of the discussion was devoted to making trains as attractive as other modes of transport, such as air travel. On this point, discussions were held on the single ticketing system, which could allow travellers to have a single ticket to cross several countries.
The difficulties encountered this summer involving long delays were also discussed. “We would like to see more coordination between Member States, between infrastructure managers, especially for cross-border maintenance”, added Mr Kupka.
There was also a brief exchange on the ongoing work on sustainable fuels in the aviation sector (‘ReFuelEU Aviation’) (see EUROPE 13043/11). “If we want to take long-term measures, we must also bear in mind the long-term impact. It is important to avoid European airlines becoming less competitive than others”, stressed Mr Kupka. (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)