From funding to delivery: Putting rail projects on track

Event on rail investment in the future EU budget

Europe is approaching a decisive investment moment for rail, as discussions on the next EU budget will shape not just how much funding is available, but whether projects can be delivered on time and at scale.

At national and regional level, the availability of reliable funding determines whether rail upgrades are implemented or postponed. At European level, large cross border rail projects depend directly on stable, long term financing to move from political commitment to delivery. No part of the rail network works in isolation, and all these investments are essential to complete the vision of a trans European network, strengthen connectivity and cohesion, and underpin economic growth. They support modal shift and help deliver on decarbonisation goals.

Timely implementation is what ultimately translates into tangible benefits for passengers and businesses. However, recent experience shows that insufficiently aligned funding streams, delays in financing decisions and cost increases can slow or jeopardise execution, highlighting the need for more predictable EU instruments and stronger coordination between public and private finance.

As negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) intensify, this event will provide a platform to examine Europe’s rail investment priorities and explore how future EU instruments can more effectively support project delivery across the network.

This event is kindly hosted by MEP Nina Carberry and the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU, and is organised by CER and Iarnród Éireann-Irish Rail.