EU Cypriot Presidency to-do list – Bring back trains, keep EU rail secure

Cyprus can bring back trains for the first time since 1951 - strengthening Europe’s rail future – and strategic rail projects across Europe built by EU companies to European standards.

The island nation – who now holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union – has the opportunity to end 70 years of no passenger rail or freight services by kick-starting planning.

EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas has already publicly supported the idea, with the project set to move freight faster to ports in order to be shipped across multiple continents.

The European Rail Supply Industry Association (UNIFE) has today thrown its support behind the concept, while also calling the Cypriot Presidency to consider a range of key policy changes to keep Europe’s transport networks secure, including prioritising Public Procurement and Military Mobility reforms.

By ensuring changes to the upcoming Public Procurement Directive (set to be released in the first semester of 2026), the Cypriot Presidency can ensure that EU countries guarantee the ongoing security of the continents’ rail networks, by ensuring that only EU-made rail products are used.

Further to this, the Cypriot Presidency needs to prioritise the ongoing installation of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS®) on key European rail corridors to make sure civilian and military traffic can move faster and fully secure towards its destination.

The Military Mobility Package (released by the European Commission late-2025) must also be faithfully delivered, as harmonising rail standards across Europe is absolutely vital for both civilian and military traffic going forward. This would follow in the footsteps of the Polish Presidency last year to prioritise dual use civilian and military rail projects.

Further to this, Cyprus needs to ensure that the crucial work of the Danish Presidency to bring costs down across the rail sector occurs, by continuing to harmonise rail standards and pursuing the simplification agenda, including regarding cyber resilience.

UNIFE stands ready to work with both the Government of Cyprus and European Commission, in not only delivering any future rail project, but on many key relevant files during its EU Presidency.

UNIFE Director General Enno Wiebe stated:

“Building on the momentum created by the Polish Presidency’s focus on competitiveness and the Danish Presidency’s drive for cost reduction, we now look to Cyprus to take the next step—paving the way for a resilient and future-proof European rail system.”

“Considering the importance of boosting passenger, military and freight links everywhere across Europe, there are many reforms and much continent-wide work to be done.”

“As part of its EU Presidency, Cyprus must consider key military mobility and public procurement reforms, while also carrying on with the agenda of broader regulatory simplification. Harmonising rail standards and ensuring cybersecurity rules work for the European Rail Supply Industry is part of this.”