The latest IRG (Independent Regulators Group) Market Monitoring Report shows that the market share of competitors continues to grow with competitors accounting for 55% of the European rail freight market in 2023. This growth is driven primarily by the growth of new market entrants who have grown from 33% of the market in 2019 to 40% of the market in 2023. It must be recognised that this growth of total market share is against the backdrop of a decline of total rail freight volumes in 2023. The latest results of the Market Monitoring Report shows that there is a significant added value of competition in the European rail freight market. The expectation over the coming years is that, overall, competitors will continue to grow their market share, while incumbents such as DB Cargo and Hexafret (ex SNCF Fret) will have to reduce their activities due to Competition Law rulings. Growth will therefore be predominantly driven by new market entrants. The focus of European policy subsequently needs to increasingly focus on how to support these companies to stay and grow in the market as a means to support climate friendly transport by rail. (....)