Economic footprint
Rail is an essential component of the transport system, and transport is an essential function of any modern economy.



Related CER Publications
Reply to public consultation - Revision of the Energy Taxation Directive
In the context of the European Green Deal, the European Commission launched on 23 July 2020 a public consultation on the revision of the Energy Taxation Directive (...
A blueprint for greater focus on rail in the quest for green mobility
European transport must be carbon-neutral at the latest by 2050, with clear mid-term milestones set for 2030 and 2040. This is the objective proposed by the Community of European...
CER input to the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Smart Mobility
Rail is the safest, most sustainable transport mode. It contributes to making the European economy greener and more efficient. Yet much must be done in order to create the...
Europe's economic recovery after Covid-19: help finance it by applying user-pays and polluter-pays principles in transport
Since March 2020, the EU and its member states have committed more than €3trn to support their economies against the Covid-19 pandemic's immediate economic fallout. Further public...
Rail sector welcomes European Parliament COVID Resolution
The undersigned European associations – representing infrastructure managers, railway operators, intermodal companies, wagon keepers and the rail supply industry – jointly:...
Commission study results suggest greater role for European railways
European railways comply with the principles of 'user pays' and 'polluter pays' better than any other motorised transport mode, both for passengers and freight. This is...
Commission study supports shift to clean transport modes like rail and proper internalisation of external costs
In June 2019, the European Commission published a study entitled "Sustainable Transport Infrastructure Charging and Internalisation of Transport Externalities". This CER Fact...
Commission study results suggest greater role for European railways
European railways comply with the principles of 'user pays' and 'polluter pays' better than any other motorised transport mode, both for passengers and freight. This is a key...
More rail for a stronger European economy
On 9 May, European Heads of State will gather in Sibiu for an informal European Council meeting, hosted by the Romanian Presidency of the EU. Member States will take further steps...
Implementing user-pays and polluter-pays in road charging
As a competitor to road transport, railways are affected by road charging rules. For an efficient provision of transport, but also for fair competition with rail, the principles...
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External Links
EU transport in figures - Statistical pocketbook
This publication provides an overview of annual transport-related statistics in Europe. It covers the European Union and its 28 Member States and, as far as possible, the current...