The European Committee of the Regions adopted on 14 October the opinion on the "European Year of Rail" prepared under the leadership of ECR Member Jarosław Stawiarski (Marshal of Lubelskie region in Poland). 

This opinion is the CoR`s contribution to the EU`s campaign to promote rail as sustainable means of transport throughout the year 2021. 

The opinion of Mr Stawiarski emphasizes the positive role and contribution of rail transport to the socio-economic development of European regions. It also underlines how rail helps achieve goals of the Green Deal by decarbonizing our regional economies. On the other hand, the document identifies the major challenges rail transport in Europe faces and puts forward the CoR`s recommendations in this regard. 

"We all know about the benefits of rail travel. Rails means more accessible regions and mobility of people, economic development and a better climate. Modern transport must be not only fast, safe, comfortable and environmentally friendly but, as shown by the events of recent months relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, it must also be resilient to an ever growing number of crises. The European rail system proves that all these conditions are met. In light of the objectives of the Green Deal, rail's share of the transport market needs to increase", said Marshal Stawiarski. 

In his speech during the CoR`s plenary session, the rapporteur called for an integrated EU-wide railway strategy to reduce disparities in infrastructural development and quality of service between the Central and Eastern European regions and the rest of the EU. Moreover, Mr Stawiarski encouraged regional and national authorities to develop long-term plans for railway development, which are essential to eliminate the transport handicap of less developed regions. 

He drew the attention to the enormous investment needs of rail transport and called for adequate financing, saying: "It is necessary to ensure proper financing of railway infrastructure and rolling stock. The Multiannual Financial Framework for the years 2021-2027 must secure sufficient funds for rail investments under the Connecting Europe Facility, cohesion policy and structural funds". 

The opinion is the CoR`s answer to the European Commission`s proposal to establish 2021 as the European Year of Rail. The Commission proposes to organize a series of events to promote rail as a modern, sustainable and effective transport means. 

Marshal Stawiarski will serve as the CoR`s spokesperson during the campaign communicating important messages on behalf of the EU`s local and regional authorities.