European Union (EU)

Business

Michaela Macharik: EU–Ukraine logistics has become the new business reality

Czech companies enjoy a strong reputation in Ukraine, but that alone will not guarantee success. Michaela Macharik discusses EU–Ukraine logistics, rail and road links, reconstruction opportunities and the need for companies to prepare early.

Karel Novak July 16, 2026 · 8 min read

Freight Rail

Rail groups call for ETS rail funding

European rail and combined transport associations are calling for EU ETS revenues to support rail investment, arguing that the cleanest mass transport mode should receive a fairer share of carbon market funding.

Karel Novak July 15, 2026 · 3 min read

Technology & Innovation

Rail sector starts 5G FRMCS trials

Europe’s rail sector has entered the laboratory integration phase for FRMCS, the 5G-based communication system intended to replace GSM-R, with field trials planned from 2027.

Karel Novak July 1, 2026 · 2 min read

Freight Rail

UNIFE seeks €100bn EU transport fund

UNIFE is urging Ireland to use its EU Council presidency to seek at least €100 billion for the Connecting Europe Facility in the EU’s 2028–2034 budget.

Karel Novak June 30, 2026 · 2 min read

Infrastructure

EU opens EUR 1.1bn infrastructure call covering rail projects

The European Commission has opened a EUR 1.1bn transport infrastructure funding call, with railway projects on the core trans-European transport network among the eligible categories. Applications are open until 6 October 2026.

Lubomir Cech June 23, 2026 · 2 min read

Freight Rail

EU ministers call for rail industry strategy

EU transport ministers have called on the European Commission to prepare a dedicated strategy for Europe’s rail supply industry, with public procurement reform also in focus.

Karel Novak June 9, 2026 · 3 min read

Rolling Stock

MÁV plans 35 double-deck InterCity EMUs using unfrozen EU funds

Dávid Vitézy, a Hungarian transport policy figure and former state secretary for transport, said the trains could enter service from 2029 if the procurement is launched this year.

Lubomir Cech June 4, 2026 · 1 min read

Infrastructure

RFC Baltic-Adriatic regulators add Hungary and Croatia

The change expands the regulatory framework for the corridor to eight countries: Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia and Italy.

Lubomir Cech May 27, 2026 · 2 min read

Freight Rail

Combined transport grows despite disruptions

European combined transport grew in 2025 despite major disruption in Germany, with UIRR reporting higher consignments and tonne-kilometres.

Karel Novak May 25, 2026 · 3 min read

Infrastructure

Spain authorises EUR 72.4m for Bobadilla–Algeciras line upgrades

This step is continuation of the modernisation of one of the country’s main freight corridors linking the southern Port of Algeciras with the national rail network.

Lubomir Cech May 22, 2026 · 2 min read

Freight Rail

Czech transport minister urges EU action on rail freight

Bednárik states that rail freight’s share of total freight transport in the EU has fallen to around 16%, moving the bloc further away from its modal shift objectives.

Lubomir Cech May 19, 2026 · 2 min read

Passenger Rail

European Commission proposes single-ticket rules for multi-operator rail travel

The package, presented on 14 May, targets regional, long-distance and cross-border rail travel within the EU.

Lubomir Cech May 15, 2026 · 3 min read

Freight Rail

UIRR backs reform of EU transport directive

Rail and logistics organisations are urging the EU to modernise the Combined Transport Directive to support multimodal freight and strengthen competitiveness.

Karel Novak April 16, 2026 · 2 min read

Freight Rail

Prague calls for stronger rail freight support

The Czech transport minister has called for stronger EU funding for rail infrastructure and urgent measures to support rail freight competitiveness.

Karel Novak April 2, 2026 · 2 min read

Infrastructure

A push for Central Pyrenees rail link as third cross-border between Spain and France

The group is seeking recognition of the scheme in the post-2027 Connecting Europe Facility programme.

Lubomir Cech March 26, 2026 · 2 min read

Freight Rail

RCG: new EU waste code rules hit rail freight

ÖBB Rail Cargo Group will require European Waste Codes in rail freight documents from April, ahead of the EU’s new DIWASS system launch.

Karel Novak March 26, 2026 · 2 min read

Business

European Commission adopts new State aid rules for rail and multimodal transport

The framework applies from 30 March 2026; the TBER will remain in force until 31 December 2034, while the LMT Guidelines have no fixed end date.

Lubomir Cech March 24, 2026 · 2 min read

Business

Europe leads global rail signalling market

Europe is now the world’s largest market for control, command and signalling (CCS) technology, with modernisation of ageing rail networks driving growth ahead of China.

Karel Novak March 24, 2026 · 4 min read

Freight Rail

Rising fuel costs revive rail freight debate

Rising oil prices linked to renewed geopolitical tension in the Middle East are increasing cost pressure on European road freight, reinforcing the case for rail and intermodal transport on longer distances.

Karel Novak March 18, 2026 · 2 min read

Freight Rail

EU–Ukraine Solidarity Lanes carry 209m tonnes

As of February 2026, the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes remain a core trade lifeline for Ukraine, supporting the majority of imports and a large share of non-agricultural exports.

Karel Novak March 18, 2026 · 2 min read