THE European Union’s (EU) commissioner-designate for sustainable transport and tourism, Mr Apostolos Tzitzikostas of Greece, has outlined several notable plans for rail development in the EU if he is confirmed as a commissioner, including completing the TEN-T network by the existing deadlines and presenting a plan to connect EU capitals and large cities by high-speed rail and night trains.

Speaking during a hearing by the EU Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism on November 4, Tzitzikostas vowed to support existing legislation to curb emissions from transport, including the Fit for 55 package, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. “You can count on me to support member states and companies in this crucial task of implementation,” he said.

Tzitzikostas confirmed plans to develop a Sustainable Transport Investment Plan, details of which will be presented in 2025. Among the solutions presented by Tzitzikostas to support decarbonisation is exploring the use of alternative fuels and shifting more freight to sustainable modes, including rail, which he described as “one of the greenest modes of transport available,” and “central to the TEN-T.”

“Completing the TEN-T railway network and connecting cities by high-speed rail is, for me, a top priority,” he said, vowing to improve overall rail connectivity, “so that no region is left behind.”

“Extending the TEN-T network will help us to integrate future EU member states into the Single Market. It also secures connectivity for peripheral member states. Transport plays a key role in our security architecture.”

Tzitzikostas also said that he will follow through with the promise by commission president, Ms Ursula von der Leyen, to develop the high-speed and night train strategy. He used the example of how high-speed rail could cut journey times from Hamburg to Copenhagen from 4h 20min to 2h 30min.

In addition, Tzitzikostas said that he will present in the first year of his mandate a proposal for a single digital ticketing and booking regulation. He said that this will improve existing obligations in this area. “Passenger rights must evolve accordingly, offering protection for an entire journey, including those involving different operators.”

“Citizens and businesses do not hesitate to switch to rail when the connections are affordable, convenient and reliable,” he said. “Rail can also carry more freight and work better across borders, more in synergy with road transport.”

CER response

The Community of European Railways and Infrastructure Companies (CER) said Tzitzikostas’ hearing provided “valuable insights” into the future policy direction and Commission priorities for the EU’s transport sector. It welcomed the high-speed rail network plan and to increase rail freight traffic as well as to improve safety through wider deployment of ERTMS, although this was not referenced directly by Tzitzikostas during his address.

CER also welcomed Tzitzikostas’ references to the importance of digitalisation to modernise the transport system, although they were again vague regarding rail deployment.

“The sector is eager to understand Tzitzikostas’ stance on creating a centralised governance model with a European Programme Management for ERTMS, which is currently lacking, and on tackling the challenges to speed up its deployment across all Member States,” CER says.

The election of commissioners by MEPs is scheduled during the November 25-28 plenary session in Strasbourg.