The Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union has the opportunity to bring rail transport back to Cyprus for the first time since 1951, but also to decisively influence the strategic direction of the European rail sector, according to UNIFE.
In a public statement issued when Cyprus took over the EU Council presidency, UNIFE emphasizes that relaunching a rail network on the island could contribute not only to local connectivity but also to strengthening the security and resilience of European transport networks, particularly for freight flows to ports and international markets.
Trains could return to Cyprus after 75 years
Cyprus has not had passenger or freight rail services since 1951. According to UNIFE, the current EU Council Presidency could initiate the planning phase for a new rail system, including for freight transport to ports, facilitating faster connections with other continents.
The idea has already received public support from Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, who pointed out the strategic potential of the project.
Public procurement: UNIFE calls for protection of European industry
Beyond the case of Cyprus, UNIFE believes that the Cypriot Presidency should play a key role in the revision of the Public Procurement Directive, expected in the first half of 2026.
The association is calling for the new rules to allow Member States to prioritize railway products manufactured in the European Union, as a measure to protect the security of critical infrastructure and European industrial autonomy.
ERTMS and military mobility, strategic priorities
UNIFE also points out that Cyprus should accelerate the implementation of ERTMS on Europe’s key rail corridors. The system is considered essential for fast, safe, and interoperable traffic of both civil and military traffic.
At the same time, the Military Mobility Package, presented by the European Commission at the end of 2025, must be fully implemented. UNIFE stresses that the harmonization of railway standards at European level is vital for the dual use – civil and military – of infrastructure, continuing the direction previously set by the Polish Presidency of the EU Council.
Simplification, costs, and cybersecurity
According to UNIFE, the Cypriot Presidency should also continue the efforts begun by the Danish Presidency, focused on reducing costs in the rail sector by harmonizing standards, simplifying regulations, and taking a coherent approach to cybersecurity requirements.
UNIFE: “Cyprus can take the next decisive step”
UNIFE Director General Enno Wiebe said that Cyprus’s term comes at a key moment for the European rail industry:
“Building on the momentum created by the Polish Presidency, which focused on competitiveness, and the Danish Presidency, which focused on cost reduction, we expect Cyprus to take the next step—paving the way for a resilient and future-proof European rail system.”
He stressed that, given the importance of strengthening passenger, freight, and military links in Europe, reforms in the areas of public procurement, military mobility, and regulatory simplification are essential.
UNIFE expressed its willingness to work with both the Government of Cyprus and the European Commission during the Presidency to advance rail projects and strategic dossiers relevant to the sector.
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