For the T-TEN core network in the EU alone, this will amount to around 500 billion euros by 2030. Crucial prerequisites such as the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and other digital tools are essential to achieve higher productivity, connectivity and sustainability. This is the conclusion reached by Andreas Matthä, CEO of ÖBB-Holding - in his role as Chairman of the European railway association CER - and Christian Helmenstein, Chief Economist of the Federation of Austrian Industries, in a joint essay.
The two railway experts deal with the central question of how necessary funds can be provided in times of budget cuts and austerity programmes. The Austrian framework plan system is presented as an example. A look at Germany and Switzerland reveals further different approaches.
Joint projects with private investors (Private Public Partnerships, PPP) are also analysed.
The authors emphasise that the stagnation of public infrastructure investment in relation to GDP since 2000 is jeopardising Europe's long-term productivity and prosperity. Railways are presented as investments with dual benefits that pursue both economic and environmental goals. Cross-border modernisation and digitalisation are seen as crucial for reducing the environmental footprint and increasing Europe's competitiveness.
The paper concludes by calling for the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to prioritise rail-related projects in order to provide sufficient funding for infrastructure development, resilience and digital transformation. ‘By focussing economic growth on sustainability, the EU can secure future prosperity and make rail a cornerstone of integration and green transition,’ reads the introduction.