Brussels 21st May 2001

On the 14th May 2001, a representation of UNIFE (Association of European Railway Industries), UIC (International Union of Railways), CER (Community of European Railways) and UITP (International Association of Public Transport) presented to Mr Philippe Busquin, EU Commissioner responsible for Research, the Joint Strategy for European Rail Research - 2020.

The rail sector in Europe and the European Commission, have a common goal, the creation of a Single European Railway System.

The objectives of this Single European Railway System by 2020 are:

- Doubling the passenger traffic (passenger/km)
- Tripling freight traffic (ton/km)
- Tripling productivity
- Elimination of avoidable fatal accidents
- A 50% gain in energy efficiency
- A 50% reduction in the generation of pollutants
- An increase in network capacity to accommodate traffic projections

EU rail research is needed, to accelerate the development of operational and technical interoperability and to enhance safety and environmental performance. The Joint Strategy for European Rail Research – 2020 defines the following research priorities: Interoperability, Telematics, Safety & Environment, supported by research initiated by other transport modes, on Innovative Materials & Production Methods.

The rail sector organisations, UNIFE, UIC, CER and UITP, together with the European Commission, will further elaborate this Joint Strategy, in line with the objectives of the European Research Area, and explore how the new EU 6th Framework Programme for Research & Development and instruments for research funding (integrated projects, networks of excellence and co-ordination of national R&D programmes) could catalyse joint research in the rail sector.

The partners of this Joint Strategy commit to make railways an attractive, affordable, safe, clean, competitive and reliable transport mode on a European scale.

Participants in the meeting were the following (from left to right in the photo):

- Mr Andrew Foster, UNIFE Research Working Group Chairman
- Mr Drewin Nieuwenhuis, UNIFE General Manager
- Mr Jean-Claude Raoul, UNIFE - AEIF Speaker
- Mr Philippe Roumeguère, UIC Chief Executive
- Mr Hans Rat, UITP Secretary General
- Mr Miguel Corsini, UIC Chairman
- Mr Philippe Busquin, EU Commissioner responsible for Research
- Mr Herbert Steffen, UNIFE Chairman
- Mrs Anna Ottavianelli, Secretary General of CER
- Mr Etienne Schouppe, UIC Vice-Chairman and Member of the Managing Committee of CER
- Mr Jack Metthey, European Commission DG Research
- Mr Werner Breitling, UIC Director Technical Department - AEIF Speaker

European Rail Operators of long distance, regional & local transport:

• Total turnover Euro 75 Billion p. a.
• Provides employment for 1.000.000 persons.
• Invests Euro 250 Million p.a. of its own resources in Research & Development.

European Supply Industry:

• Turnover Euro 25 Billion p.a.,
• 130.000 direct employees and 250.000 total employment.
• 60 % World market share and a net exporter.
• Invests Euro 1000 Million p.a. of its own resources in Research & Development.