The European Commission has approved a Slovak public support scheme worth EUR 300 million aimed at supporting the purchase of new freight wagons.
Direct grants for wagon acquisition
Under the scheme, financial support will be provided in the form of direct grants. These grants are designated to cover part of the acquisition costs of new freight rolling stock. The eligible recipients include railway undertakings or wagon owners operating in Slovakia who plan to invest in new freight wagons.
The mechanism does not apply retroactively and is limited to purchases initiated during the period when the scheme is active. It is designed to contribute to a shift in freight flows from road to rail, with the expectation that this would reduce both emissions and road congestion.
Regulatory review and approval
According to the Commission’s evaluation, the scheme aligns with the objectives of coordinated transport systems under EU competition rules. It is considered a proportionate measure that supports rail freight transport without creating unjustified distortion in competition within the single market.
