I wish to express my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected by the tragic accidents in Spain and thank you for honouring their memory.

It is an honour to attend the 19th European Railway Award, organised by the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) and the Association of the European Rail Supply Industry (UNIFE), a premier event for mobility, gathering policymakers, European Union (EU) officials and industry leaders.

It highlights their commitment to developing a safe and competitive rail system across Europe. Both organisations serve distinct but complementary roles in regulation, innovation and industrial leadership, working closely to push forward the Single European Railway Area and leading the transition of the rail sector toward greater sustainability and digitalisation.

Cyprus currently presides over the Council of the EU with the motto “An Autonomous Union. Open to the World,” emphasising the aim of strengthening the EU’s independence and competitiveness while remaining dedicated to openness, collaboration and respect for international law.

In the transport sector, this means building a stronger, better connected and a resilient European network that supports people, businesses and collective security. Transport is central to Europe’s competitiveness, internal market, climate ambitions, and overall resilience and security.

Europe’s power lies in its ability to connect people.

We support the Commission’s proposal for the Connecting Europe Facility and share the rail sector’s view that strong central management is essential – ensuring steady progress, swift implementation and reliable cooperation among all parties. Achieving these goals requires several key steps.

First, we need to streamline processes and boost flexibility to better support complex cross-border investments and perhaps allow the reallocation of funds to accelerate critical projects, especially where border bottlenecks exist.

Second, adequate resources are vital. Significant investment is necessary for sustainable transport, digital solutions and resilient networks. Consistent financing and regular calls will be crucial to finishing the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) and ensuring effective project completion.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Connectivity today also carries notable security implications. Military mobility should remain high on the agenda as a dual-use policy area, and member states must have enough flexibility to adapt and optimise the TEN-T network before 2035 as their needs evolve.

Though the railway network is formally established, military mobility initiatives have created new demands and routes. Infrastructure upgrades are needed to satisfy these requirements.

More funding is essential for upgrades, bridging gaps and enhancing infrastructure in isolated areas, as well as increasing fleet availability. Introducing standardised procedures will make sure cross-border movement is efficient, predictable and compatible with civilian and military needs.

Digital interoperability is key for Europe’s rail network to excel. The broad adoption of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) is crucial, as inconsistent rollouts undermine investor confidence. To secure prompt and coordinated results, strong governance is required.

We advocate for a robust ERTMS programme, supported by the authority needed to enforce interoperability and coordinated deployment. It is fundamental to capacity, cross-border efficiency and rail safety.

A comprehensive high-speed rail network stimulates economic growth, unites people and serves as a sustainable alternative to short-haul flights in line with climate targets.

Completing the TEN-T Core Network is only one milestone; high-speed rail must link seamlessly with conventional lines and reach major hubs in every member state. Having enough stations, rolling stock and maintenance facilities is critical – without which investments will not deliver the dependable, integrated service Europeans expect.

Stable, long-term funding is essential. While public investment is key, all member states should have access to a wide range of financial tools. Many plans are already in place; now Europe needs faster, safer and better coordinated execution.

The next Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) should focus not just on building infrastructure, but also on inspiring confidence that Europe can achieve its corridor, security and environmental ambitions – mainly through full development of the European Railway Network.

In closing, today’s event honours outstanding achievements in European rail through the Rail Champion and Trailblazer Awards. These awards honour individuals and projects whose vision and innovation advance the role of rail in sustainable European mobility, showcasing pioneering ideas, technological advances and policy leadership.

Congratulations to this year’s award recipients, and sincere thanks to everyone whose dedication helped make this event a success.

Thank you.

(SuP/GS/NZ)