A European High-Speed Rail Action Plan
Speaker: Blaž Pongračič, senior policy advisor, Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER)
High-speed rail is the definitive backbone of Europe’s future mobility and climate strategy.
However, its full potential is restricted by a fragmented landscape of national planning, high investment costs, and significant cross-border operational barriers. These technical and financial constraints, alongside capacity limitations, prevent the railways from becoming a truly seamless international transport mode that can compete effectively on a continental scale.
Blaž Pongračič from the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) joins us to outline the proposed European High-Speed Rail Action Plan, which advocates for a coordinated, EU-wide approach to infrastructure and investment. This webinar will focus on the necessity of strengthening interoperability, accelerating digitalization, and improving the overall passenger experience to ensure territorial cohesion.
Pongračič leads internal working groups at CER and advises its members on key policy areas, including ticketing, high-speed rail, passenger rights, and other consumer-related issues such as data and tourism.
CER brings together railway undertakings and their national associations, infrastructure managers, and vehicle leasing companies. The membership is made up of long-established bodies, new entrants, and both private and public enterprises, representing 78% of the rail network length, 81% of the freight rail business and about 94% of passenger rail operations in EU, EFTA and EU accession countries.
CER represents the interests of its members towards EU policy makers and transport stakeholders, advocating for railways as the backbone of a competitive and sustainable transport system in Europe.
Image © Deutsche Bahn AG
