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On January 16th, Tilly Metz, a member of the European Parliament from the Green Party, joined a RailTech Masterclass webinar to discuss the ongoing negotiations concerning the Railway Infrastructure Capacity Regulation. This regulation aims to harmonize and streamline rail freight operations across Europe, addressing long-standing challenges in capacity management and fostering greater cooperation between European countries.
Key takeaways from the webinar
The need for a more harmonized approach
Tilly Metz emphasized the importance of a unified European rail freight system. The regulation is designed to foster better coordination and more efficient operations across member states. By creating a common framework for rail infrastructure, the EU hopes to overcome the fragmentation that has hampered the sector’s potential.
The risk of nationalism
While Metz is optimistic about the regulation’s success, she acknowledged that there is a real risk of further fragmentation if certain EU countries push for more nationalistic approaches. This could result in a situation where the regulation fails to deliver the much-needed harmonization and instead leaves rail freight in a more disjointed state than it is now.
Benefits beyond the EU
A crucial question raised by the audience was how the regulation could be implemented outside the EU, particularly in countries like Switzerland, which are vital transit points. Metz acknowledged the challenge of ensuring that non-EU countries adopt similar measures, but emphasized that continuous collaboration and the influence of the EU’s role in global transport could help align practices beyond its borders.
The role of political Support
A question was raised about the governments that could be pivotal in driving change within the Trilogue (the negotiations between the European Commission, Parliament, and Council). Metz suggested that countries that are traditionally strong in logistics, like Germany and the Netherlands, could play a decisive role in pushing for real improvements in capacity management.
Risk of status quo
The possibility of negotiations stalling and the Council adopting more nationalistic policies raised concerns. Metz mentioned that if these negotiations break down, the existing rules may remain in force, which would not provide the desired improvements. However, she remains hopeful that the political momentum will carry the regulation through.
2030 freight growth targets and looking ahead to 2035
If the implementation of the regulation is delayed, Metz warned that the EU’s ambitious 2030 freight growth targets might not be achieved. This would hinder the EU’s goal of increasing rail freight as a more sustainable and efficient alternative to road transport.
In an ideal scenario, Metz shared a vision for the future: in 10 years, the regulation would have transformed rail freight operations in Europe. It would enable smoother and more efficient cross-border transport, enhance the capacity management process, and ultimately reduce the environmental footprint of freight transportation.
Replay of the webinar
Access the full replay of the webinar on Youtube.
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