UNIFE congratulates the European Commission on climate law, Year of Rail, and commits to EU Green Deal

Today, 4 March, the European Commission has taken critical steps in pursuit of the European Green Deal, headed by Executive Vice-President for Climate Action Policy Frans Timmermans. In Brussels, it has proposed a European Climate Law to form a binding commitment to leading the global response to climate change. UNIFE applauds the European Commission’s understanding of the urgency created by this global challenge.

The European Rail Supply Industry also welcomes today’s announcement by European Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean that 2021 will be the ‘Year of Rail’, commemorated series of campaigns and initiatives aimed at highlighting our sector’s unique value in the fight against climate change. Only by positioning rail as the backbone of a Europe-wide multimodal mobility paradigm, will Europe be able to significantly decarbonise the transport sector.

Recognising that completing the Commission’s climate objectives rely on a whole-of-society approach, UNIFE and its members are ready to work with the other sector stakeholders towards the success of both the European Climate Pact and the coming Year of Rail. The European Rail Supply Industry, with support from European Institutions, will continue to innovate on sustainable products that have helped make Europe’s railways the only transport option to have steadily reduced emissions, while increasing capacity, for the past 30 years.

UNIFE General Director Philippe Citroën commented: “As the European Commissioner for Transport stated: ‘Rail connects people, regions and businesses all across the EU. Moreover, it is proof of European engineering expertise and part of our European heritage and culture.’ This is why the European Rail Supply Industry is committed to supporting the delivery of the European Green Deal objectives benefiting the people, the economy and the climate.”

Together, we will make rail a core component of Europe's green future.