Alstom’s Martin Sion Becomes UNIFE Chair as Industry Plots Drive for Growth
Supercharging industry growth and a new Association Chair topped the agenda at UNIFE’s 35th General Assembly, as the European Rail Supply Industry gathered in Brussels this week to debate how to remain ahead of global competitors.
After three fruitful years as Chair of the UNIFE Board, Siemens CEO Michael Peter handed over the reins of the association to Alstom’s new CEO Martin Sion, with both board members embracing the member-wide collaboration to boost growth across the two-day event.
Out of the ‘Discovery Café’ roundtables dedicated to polling UNIFE members on their views on boosting the competitiveness of the European Rail Supply Industry, they outright called for a ‘cutting, not reinvention’ of regulations and a more offensive EU export strategy.
Members also mentioned that the European institutions must continue their mission and be supported in harmonising legislation, as fragmentation at national level continues to impact the European Single Market.
UNIFE General Director Enno Wiebe led proceedings and celebrated the new constructive and collaborative spirit across both the rail sector and with policymakers, in order to chart a path of excellence.
The European Rail Supply Industry’s political visibility is now strong; however ambitions must now shift into action, and can only be achieved by working together for a competitive European Rail Supply Industry.
European Commissioner for International Partnerships Commissioner Jozef Síkela as part of the General Assembly met with the industry, and shared constructive dialogue in how to progress forward in boosting competitiveness.
As part of proceedings, Magda Kopczyńska (Director General of DG MOVE, European Commission), Oana Gherghinescu (Executive Director, European Union Agency for Railways), Giorgio Travaini (Executive Director, Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking) and outgoing UNIFE Chair and Siemens Mobility CEO Michael Peter were involved in an Institutional Panel: At the Crossroads of Competitiveness and Resilience.
Confidence in the association’s direction was underpinned with UNIFE welcoming three full new members Magellan (UK), Teltronic (ES), Zonegreen (Sentric Safety Group) (UK), and one Associate Member Polska Izba Kolei (Polish Chamber of Railways) Kolei (PL).
The UNIFE General Assembly concluded with the approval of Rome, as the location for the 2027 edition, to be held on 9-10 June.
Quotes attributable to UNIFE Director General Enno Wiebe
“I want to thank outgoing Chair Michael Peter for his valuable work, passion and support over the last three years to drive the association forward. We are also excited by what Martin will bring to the role, especially his ambition and new perspective, thanks to his successes in the aeronautical industry.”
Quotes attributable to New UNIFE Chair and Alstom CEO Martin Sion
“I want to thank Michael Peter for his leadership of UNIFE over the past three years, helping make UNIFE a stronger and more influential voice for our industry. The focus now is on what comes next, because Rail is no longer an adjacent to Europe’s strategic agenda; it is a critical part of it.
Our mission is to turn ambition into concrete investment, ensuring European rail supply chains remain competitive, and making sure that Rail is central to policy decisions that will define the continent’s transport future.”
Quotes attributable to Outgoing UNIFE Chair and Siemens CEO Michael Peter
"Over the past three years, we have successfully positioned the rail industry at the heart of the EU's competitiveness and resilience agenda. The momentum today is undeniable: EU policy is increasingly aligned to strengthen its industrial base — from the Industrial Accelerator Act to the upcoming EU procurement review.”
Quotes attributable to European Commissioner for International Partnerships Commissioner Jozef Síkela
“Europe’s rail industry is essential to our competitiveness, our connectivity and our industrial future. Our exchange with its representatives showed how Global Gateway can strengthen European companies while giving partner countries a trusted way to invest in sustainable mobility.
Through Global Gateway, the EU brings together high standards and strategic financing to support European companies in competing fairly and growing in fast expanding markets around the world.”
Quotes attributable to Director General of DG MOVE, European Commission Magda Kopczyńska
“Industrial competitiveness is at the heart of our agenda. We are committed to making EU rules leaner, faster, and more effective, based on how they are applied in practice, so Europe’s rail industry can invest, scale, and innovate.
At the same time, we are determined to break down fragmentation in the Single European Rail Area, so harmonisation can reduce costs, accelerate deployment, and reinforce Europe’s global industrial leadership.”
