2021 is the European Year of Rail, which is aimed at increasing the proportion of people and goods travelling by rail, in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal.
In addition to promoting railways as a sustainable, smart and safe mode of transport capable of maintaining vital services, the objective of the Year of Rail is to raise awareness of the cross-border European dimension of rail transport and increasing its contribution to the EU’s economy, industry and society.
This European Commission initiative aims to achieve an increase rail’s share of passenger and freight transport in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollution coming in the field of transport. In the EU, rail represents less than 0.5% of transport-related greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, only about 7% of passengers and 11% of goods travel by rail.
2021 therefore is an important milestone towards the Single European Railway Area: a more efficient European rail network with seamless mobility across borders within the Trans-European Transport network (TEN-T). Further, as part of the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy the EU’s objective is the improvement of links for rail with other modes of transport.
Throughout 2021, the European Commission will launch several events, projects and activities across the EU to promote the various dimensions of rail transport connecting regions, people and businesses. The EUFUNDINGHUB-team will keep you updated on funding opportunities in this regard.
“Our future mobility needs to be sustainable, safe, comfortable and affordable. Rail offers all of that and much more! The European Year of Rail gives us the opportunity to re-discover this mode of transport. Through a variety of actions, we will use this occasion to help rail realise its full potential. I invite all of you to be part of the European Year of Rail.”
Adina Vălean,
European Commissioner for Transport
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