EU publications

Multi-annual action plan

Executive view. Part A

Publication metadata

Transport is the backbone of the European economy, bringing growth, jobs and prosperity. For example, railway transport-related products account for more than 20% of EU exports of goods and 8% of EU exports of services. For centuries, the railway has been the backbone of transport, instrumental in the different industrial revolutions. With the evolving societal challenges, the other modes of transport have overshadowed the intrinsic attractiveness and competitiveness of the rail transport mode. Today, although the railway remains at the heart of transport, it needs radical change to bring back... its unique role to the forefront and as a backbone of future digital sustainable mobility — to meet the expectations of citizens, to connect people, business, and regions, and to make Europe a global hub for mobility and prosperity. The 2015 Shift2Rail Master Plan (S2R MP) identifies eight key challenges being faced by the European Rail sector: Strengthening the role of rail in the European transport system and the global competitiveness of European industry; Quality of service; Cost; Integrating the European market; Infrastructure; Competitiveness; Skills; Innovation. These challenges and the S2R vision offer a unique set of opportunities to the railway sector to radically transform and re-affirm its key role.