Railways
Rail sector posts multi-billion euro losses amid pandemic in 2020
European rail companies lost a staggering €26 billion in 2020 as the COVID-19 epidemic took a heavy toll on passenger and freight revenues across the continent, boding ill for 2021, designated to be the 'European year of rail'.
Kazakhstan: the new EU Green Gateway to East Asia.
As the European Union is revising the TEN-T rail freight corridors under the new Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, the effective connection of the Eurasian rail routes with the EU Core Backbone Network is a key priority, writes Pierre Borgoltz.
EU Parliament adopts rules to keep Eurotunnel working
The European Parliament adopted temporary rules on Thursday (17 December) to allow the Eurotunnel handling vehicle and freight traffic under the Channel between the UK and France to keep operating.
No light yet at end of Channel Tunnel Brexit talks
Talks between France and the United Kingdom over the management of the Channel Tunnel risk failing as the EU’s plan for the rail link is “absolutely unacceptable”, a UK government minister said on Wednesday (16 December).
European transport’s green drive on the starting line
The European Commission launched on Wednesday (9 December) its vision for how to clean up transport’s emissions act, as part of a four year action plan designed to help the bloc hit its 2050 climate-neutrality target.
Four countries pledge night-train nirvana in Europe
Austria, France, Germany and Switzerland agreed to boost night-trains on their rail networks on Tuesday (8 December), with a host of new services connecting cities across Europe due to launch at the end of 2021.
Italian and German trains hitch up to hydrogen bandwagon
Rail operators in Italy and Germany are turning to hydrogen power in an attempt to make their train networks more environmentally friendly, with Deutsche Bahn, partnering up with Siemens, among the trailblazers.
Eurostar on the ropes and ‘fighting for survival’
Cross-Channel high-speed rail operator Eurostar is “fighting for survival” and has urged the UK government to help it ride out a coronavirus-induced collapse in passenger numbers, as Westminster this week signed off on tax relief for major airports in England.
2021 on track to be ‘European Year of Rail’
Next year will be designated the 'European Year of Rail', after EU negotiators agreed on Thursday (12 November) to back a train-travel-boosting plan.
Europe’s fledgling night-train revival feels virus bite
Night train services across Europe will be put on hiatus in November, Austria’s railway company announced on Wednesday (28 October), as soaring coronavirus case numbers make cross-border routes untenable for the time being.
Eurostar’s Amsterdam odyssey kicks off to little fanfare
Cross-Channel rail operator Eurostar operated its first direct service between Amsterdam and London on Monday (26 October), nearly a year later than originally scheduled. However, due to the worsening health crisis, the train ran nearly empty between the two capitals.
The Channel Tunnel: the other Brexit border?
On 8 October 2020, the European Parliament approved legislation to ensure safe Channel Tunnel operations post-Brexit transition. In addition to COVID-19, Brexit will have far-reaching consequences for cross-Channel border connections. History highlights what is at stake.
Railway rights reform falls flat
A long-awaited update to the EU’s train passenger rights codex was finally brokered on Thursday (1 October) but the agreement has left consumer groups and rail advocates more than disappointed.
Aviation is an irreplaceable force for good in the world
Aviation’s precious role in society is at risk, as borders remain closed and influential voices in Europe call for permanent curbs on flying, warns Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury.
Eurotunnel on track for Brexit disruption as talks falter
The UK government was accused on Tuesday (22 September) of failing to ensure the cross-Channel rail link can continue to operate after the Brexit transition is over, while EU officials are yet to confirm their plans for the tunnel.
Rail boosted by EU transport chiefs as TEE 2.0 planned
EU transport ministers pledged to give more attention to international rail freight and consider plans that would relaunch the Trans-Europ Express network, during a meeting of minds on Monday (21 September).
Carbon market’s free perks need rethink, insists EU watchdog
The EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) of offering free pollution permits needs to be reviewed and aligned more closely with climate policy if the bloc wants to reap its full benefits, the European Court of Auditors said on Tuesday (15 September).
Swiss-Austrian alliance plans night-train boost by 2024
New night-train services linking Switzerland with Amsterdam, Barcelona and Rome are going to roll out by 2024, a Swiss-Austrian rail operator alliance announced on Tuesday (15 September).
Energy firm turns to rocket science in bid to green transport
French energy company Engie is teaming up with aerospace firm the ArianeGroup to steal a march on its rivals in the hydrogen production business, by drawing on expertise gained through Europe’s space programme.
Liechtensteiners say ‘nein’ to new railway
Liechtenstein voters on Sunday (30 August) opposed plans to fund a new international rail link between Austria and Switzerland, which is supposed to pass through the tiny Alpine principality. Over 60% voted no during a national referendum.
Belgium’s free corona-busting rail pass opens to applicants
A Belgian government plan to boost domestic tourism got up and running on Monday (31 August), as applications for a free railway pass finally opened after a delay of a few months.
Transport timetable: What’s moving in late 2020
Europe's transport sector, already hard hit by the coronavirus outbreak, faces a crucial and possibly defining end to 2020. EU and global targets will start to bite, while new technologies will face a challenging acid test.
EU clears creation of world’s second-largest trainmaker
The European Commission on Friday (31 July) signed off on a merger between French trainmaker Alstom and the rail arm of Canadian firm Bombardier, setting a number of competition criteria in the process.