The next Multiannual Financial Framework

In the political guidelines presented by Ursula von der Leyen before the European Parliament on 18 July, the designated European Commission President is clear about the high ambitions she sees for the future European Commission when it comes to investments. A specific paragraph - ‘Turbo charging investment’ – declares that the next one ‘will be an investment Commission’, and that much efforts will be put in unlocking ‘the financing needed for the green, digital and social transition’.

If on the one hand the Commission states that public investments will be needed not only per se but also to leverage and de-risk private capital, a solid proposal is necessary for the next Multiannual Financial Framework with sufficient public resources and adequately sized EU budget lines to support rail investments.The European Commission is expected to put forward its legislative proposal by mid-2025, covering the years from 2028 to 2034.

The present paper outlines the position of CER and describes the European rail sector objectives, its funding needs and puts forward suggestions on the size and shape of the next MFF.

Download below our position paper.