The main challenges for communications are building CER’s reputation as a competent and reliable partner and bringing the railway messages to the fore in a differentiated environment.
 
Using a wide range of internal and external communication tools, CER aims to present the sector’s positions to European institutions, the public and CER members.
 
Events and media relations are used to raise awareness of CER positions, while publications provide essential information on many issues. Internal communications tools, like the weekly newsletter, CER Monitor, keep CER members up to date on recent transport developments in the EU. Over the past year, two new information tools have been launched on a monthly basis. The CER Technical Monitor informs members about ERA-related activities, and the CER Environment Monitor focuses on rail-related environment issues.
 
From a peak of over 1,000 journalists in Brussels in 2005, the number of journalists has decreased to about 850 in recent years. Those who stayed have continued to make an impact on influencers and decision-makers. However, having to cover more and more sectors they have become increasingly selective. To meet their needs, CER has revamped some communication basics, focusing increasingly on how and when it engages with the media.
 
The regularly updated CER website (www.cer.be) provides easy access to position papers, brochures, press releases, events and much more. Our monthly electronic newsletter, CER Newstrack, keeps all stakeholders up to date on European rail transport policy and the rail business. A new CER book Reforming Railways – Learning from Experience gives a comprehensive overview of railway reforms in Europe and worldwide.