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.

AGENDA

Networking coffee served from 13:00

Welcome

•  Nina Carberry, Member of the European Parliament

 Keynotes

• Seán Canney, Irish Minister of State for Transport
• Anna Panagopoulou, Head of Cabinet of the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism

Presentation of rail project opportunities and challenges

• Tomás Campbell, Head of the Bus and Heavy Rail Investment Division, Irish Department of Transport
• Marko Kivila, CEO of Rail Baltica
• Sandro Francesconi, Director of Finance, Human Resources and Communication, Brenner Base Tunnel 

Panel discussion

• Andrey Novakov, Member of the European Parliament and Rapporteur on the National and Regional Partnership Plans Regulation
• Mary Considine, CEO of Iarnród Éireann–Irish Rail 
• Eric von Breska, Director for Investment, Innovative and Sustainable Transport, DG MOVE, European Commission
• Moderated by Alberto Mazzola, CER Executive Director

This event is kindly hosted by MEP Nina Carberry and the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU.