Alstom CEO Martin Sion has taken over as Chair of UNIFE from Siemens Mobility CEO Michael Peter after a three-year term.
The European rail supply association said its members called for reduced regulatory complexity rather than a redesign of the rulebook. They also backed a stronger EU export policy for rail suppliers competing outside Europe.
National differences in legislation remain a concern for suppliers operating in the Single European Rail Area. UNIFE members said further harmonisation by European institutions is needed to reduce fragmentation in the internal market.
European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela attended the assembly for discussions with rail supply companies. The talks included the EU’s Global Gateway programme and its role in supporting European companies in third-country markets.
The institutional panel included Magda Kopczyńska, Director General of DG MOVE; Oana Gherghinescu, Executive Director of the European Union Agency for Railways; Giorgio Travaini, Executive Director of Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking; and outgoing UNIFE Chair Michael Peter.
UNIFE admitted three new full members: Magellan from the UK, Teltronic from Spain and Zonegreen, part of Sentric Safety Group, from the UK. Polska Izba Kolei, the Polish Chamber of Railways, joined as an associate member.
