EU HSR Action Plan: SNCF, UIC, CER Drive Rail Future in Europe

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Introduction

Senior executives from Europe’s passenger rail sector met in Paris, hosted by SNCF Voyageurs, to advocate for greater collaboration and coordinated investment in the EU’s High-Speed Rail (HSR) Action Plan.

EU High-Speed Rail Action Plan

The meeting addressed a shared long-term vision for passengers and the sector’s contribution to Europe’s economic and climate objectives. Pierpaolo Settembri, Deputy Head of Cabinet to the European Commissioner for Transport and Tourism, highlighted the European Commission’s commitment to a robust High-Speed Rail Action Plan and the need for sustained investment. This plan could see an initial EUR 340 billion in investment, potentially increasing to EUR 500 billion of the estimated EUR 546 billion needed to build a connected European high-speed network.

Key Priorities and Investments

Rail leaders emphasized the need for a genuine European High-Speed Network that connects capitals and major cities, fully integrated with regional and long-distance services, and supported by the accelerated rollout of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). The sector also highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships (PPPs) and innovative financing models such as the Regulatory Asset Base (RAB) to deliver this program sustainably.

Regulatory and Operational Improvements

The resolution calls for reforms to reduce the financial and bureaucratic burden on rail, including fairer energy taxation, faster rolling-stock certification, and harmonized train path allocation. Participants also reiterated their commitment to seamless cross-border ticketing. Key developments include the rollout of the Open Sales and Distribution Model (OSDM), the extension of booking horizons up to six months, and broader adoption of the CIT Agreement on Journey Continuation (AJC).

Industry Vision and Future Goals

Alain Krakovitch, TGV-Intercités Director at SNCF Voyageurs, expressed pride in hosting the meeting and presenting the new generation of TGV, the TGV M. François Davenne, Director General of UIC, emphasized their commitment to delivering the Ticketing Roadmap, supporting seamless ticketing, ensuring a robust and fair Capacity Regulation, and advancing a European High-Speed Masterplan. Alberto Mazzola, Executive Director of CER, stated that a holistic European Commission Action Plan would boost travel options and EU connectivity, aiming to make Europe more competitive and decarbonize the transport sector via a modal shift to rail that could capture over 50% of the long-distance travel market by 2070.

Conclusion

The meeting of European passenger rail sector executives, hosted by SNCF Voyageurs in Paris, focused on the EU’s High-Speed Rail Action Plan, advocating for stronger collaboration, coordinated investment, and regulatory reforms to enhance cross-border services and digital ticketing systems.

Company Summary

SNCF Voyageurs: Hosted the meeting in Paris, with Alain Krakovitch, TGV-Intercités Director, presenting the TGV M.

UIC: François Davenne is the Director General.

CER: Alberto Mazzola is the Executive Director.

Technology

ERTMS: European Rail Traffic Management System.

OSDM: Open Sales and Distribution Model.

AJC: CIT Agreement on Journey Continuation.

RAB: Regulatory Asset Base.

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