On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic and governments worldwide have taken wide-ranging measures to contain the spread of the virus.

Keeping European mobility operational during these critical times is key. Railways are doing their utmost to keep essential freight and passenger services running, while protecting their customers and staff. 

CER is monitoring the situation closely in collaboration with all our members and collecting data on the impact of COVID-19 on rail operations, the effects of which will require considerable EU-level as well as national support for transport. 

On this page, you can find all our latest news and related information. You can also follow us on Twitter @CER_Railways.

CER and joint communications

• Joint Letter from the European rail sector on concrete measures to face the COVID‐19 pandemic and its economic consequences (27 March 2020)
• CER Letter to DG COMP, DG MOVE and DG REGIO on State aid, regional policy and CEF (26 March 2020)
• Joint Open Letter to the EU Institutions Continuity of public transport in Europe (25 March 2020)
• Joint Statement with 32 associations ‘COVID-19 | Transport keeps us going’ (24 March 2020)
• CER Press Release ‘Railway operations during COVID-19’ (19 March 2020)

Measures at the CER office

Following the advice of the Belgian Government, please note that the CER office has taken the following measures until further notice:

• The CER office meeting rooms remain closed; NO events and meetings are currently being hosted.
• The CER office staff is advised and permitted to work from home.

The above-mentioned measures do not affect the availability of CER’s services. Our work continues and we remain available for your questions. 

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the CER team as usual via email or mobile phone.

Thank you for your understanding and for your continued cooperation.

Public information

• Belgian Government: www.info-coronavirus.be
• World Health Organisation: www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019