Connecting Europe: Infrastructure CEOs focus on High-Speed Rail, Strategic Readiness, and Sustainable Investment
European rail infrastructure CEOs from the Association of European Rail Infrastructure Managers (EIM) and the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) gathered in Warsaw today to exchange on how to strengthen Europe's rail network for the future - by making it faster, more resilient, and better connected for citizens and businesses.
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The discussions focused on how Infrastructure Managers can jointly deliver a truly European rail system without barriers, capable of connecting all major cities and capitals through high-speed links, while ensuring sufficient capacity for both passenger and freight transport. Participants highlighted that Europe's infrastructure must be ready to meet future challenges - from growing transport demand and climate change to the need for military and civil resilience. This requires coordinated planning, interoperable standards, and the timely implementation of rail technology such as the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and Digital Capacity Management.
Infrastructure CEOs agreed that these ambitions can only be achieved with stable and long-term investment. The next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034) will play a decisive role in providing the financial backbone for the rail sector - through programmes such as the Connecting Europe Facility, the European Competitiveness Fund, and the new National and Regional Partnership Programmes. Participants underlined that sufficient resources, predictable conditions, and effective coordination between national and EU funding streams are essential to ensure that rail continues to drive Europe's decarbonisation, resilience, connectivity, and competitiveness.
This year's High-Level Infrastructure Meeting (HLIM) took place in Warsaw on 19 November 2025 on the invitation of PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A. Co-organised by EIM and CER, the HLIM serves as an annual platform for Infrastructure Managers to share experiences, exchange best practices, and promote joint solutions to improve Europe's rail network and strengthen the role of rail as the backbone of sustainable and resilient mobility.
CER Executive Director Alberto Mazzola said: "Europe's rail infrastructure is entering a decisive phase. Delivering a high-speed, resilient and fully interconnected network, fulfilling the requests of commuters and freight customers, and adapting to the new geopolitical context, will require strong cooperation among Infrastructure Managers and firm political support at both national and EU levels. The next EU budget must provide the long-term funding and governance stability that our sector needs to plan and deliver. Only by investing in interoperability, digitalisation and capacity can we achieve a truly seamless European Railway Area for passengers and freight."
EIM Executive Director Monika Heiming said: "Infrastructure Managers are ready to build the European rail network of tomorrow - but we need the right framework to make it happen. This means certainty of long-term investment through the next EU budget, coordinated deployment of ERTMS and digital tools, and a shared commitment to removing bottlenecks. High-speed infrastructure links between Europe's capitals, sufficient capacity for growing freight volumes and infrastructure resilient to climate and security challenges - these are not distant ambitions but practical priorities that require action now. With stable funding and strong European coordination we can deliver the seamless, sustainable rail system that Europe's citizens and economy depend on."
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