President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso's speech and CER Chairman Aad Veenman speech are now available.

CER was honoured with an address by the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, at its annual reception on 6 May. The event, held in Brussels’ historic Town Hall in the Grand Place, marked the 20th anniversary of CER and was the first CER event to be attended by a Commission President.

The reception attracted around 400 guests, including many figures from the European institutions in Brussels, CER’s 70 member companies, other railway associations and companies, and many more. Addressing the guests, Mr Barroso said that the railways were as important to Europe today as ever. Describing the railways as “the glue that binds the internal market together”, he emphasised the role that the Commission could play in establishing a suitable framework, while allowing the sector to be responsible for its competitiveness.

He agreed that infrastructure development is crucial and highlighted the focus on rail projects within the TEN schemes. However, the railways have to adapt to the internal market, he added. “The loss of employment has been partially offset by jobs in new railway undertakings, and performance has been best in countries where rail freight market was opened earliest,” he said. Mr Barroso also highlighted the role that rail can play as a low-carbon form of transport in tackling climate change and improving sustainability, particularly with regard to freight.

Mr Barroso was presented with a rail industry peaked cap and a hand-operated guard's signal by CER. Accepting the gifts, Mr Barroso revealed that his grandfather had worked on the railways, and he congratulated CER for seeking to keep the culture of service alive in the railways while adapting to competitive changes.

José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission giving the green light

CER Executive Director Johannes Ludewig said that that he welcomed the improvement in the relationship with the Commission that had taken place during his six years with CER, and that the railways were not afraid of competition and market opening but were ambitious to show what they could do. He also took the opportunity to pay tribute to the work of outgoing transport commissioner Jacques Barrot, who is taking over new responsibilities within the Commission.

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