The Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) and the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) today present a joint position paper outlining shared priorities to strengthen the connection between Europe’s railways and its ports and enhance the performance of hinterland logistics chains.
Europe’s ports and railways are central pillars of the European transport system. Together, they connect Europe to global markets, support industry and territorial cohesion, and contribute to the functioning of the internal market. In the current geopolitical, economic and climate context, efficient and well-coordinated port–rail connectivity is essential to reinforce competitiveness, resilience, military mobility and sustainability.
Building on their long-standing cross-modal cooperation, CER and ESPO identify key areas where coordinated action can unlock further efficiency and capacity gains.
CER and ESPO call for a simplified regulatory framework that better reflects the operational realities of port–rail areas. Simplifying existing rail rules applicable to port environments – without adding unnecessary administrative burdens and without compromising safety or interoperability – can significantly enhance efficiency and operational performance. (....)