RAIL FORUM EUROPE SPOTLIGHTS GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS OF EUROPEAN RAIL SUPPLY INDUSTRY

30th January 2019

The first Rail Forum Europe debate of 2019, held in Brussels and sponsored by UNIFE, included presentations on the 7th edition of the World Rail Market Study by Roland Berger, and on the European Commission’s perspective on the European rail supply industry’s global competitiveness.

Philippe Citroën, Director General at UNIFE, noted: “The World Rail Market Study forecasts 2.7% annual growth for the world rail supply industry through 2023, but further political efforts are needed to achieve a level playing field on market accessibility.’’

Andreas Schwilling, Partner at Roland Berger, presented elements of the 7th edition of the World Rail Market Study (WRMS) showing that all market segments: infrastructure, rolling stock, rail control and services, are expected to grow globally. This growth is due to the advantages of rail transport for sustainable mobility, and megatrends such as urbanisation, digitalisation, security, and increased private financing of the rail supply industry.

Barbara Bonvissuto, Head of Unit at DG GROW (European Commission) noted: ‘’The European rail supply industry maintains a comparative advantage because of research and innovation; quality and services for customers; a single EU market for rail supply; and successful business strategies to enter new markets worldwide.’’ Challenges for the industry include: the need for investment, skills shortages, and competition from low-cost suppliers.

RFE Chairman, Michael Cramer MEP highlighted how, together with operators and infrastructure managers, rail suppliers must help Europe to maintain its technology leadership, widen the Single European market, and work towards completion of the Single European Rail Area. A competitive rail sector will help Europe to achieve its ambitious climate objectives and become a global leader for a sustainable social-economic model.

About Rail Forum Europe
Founded by Members of the European Parliament from across the parliamentary committees, Rail Forum Europe is an international non-profit association that brings together EU decision-makers and the rail sector to achieve a better understanding of rail-related issues.