The ten signatory associations representing Europe's railway sector - including passenger and freight transport operators, infrastructure and terminal managers, rolling stock lessors and rail equipment suppliers - welcome the proposal of the European Commission for the continuation of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) as part of the EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034, published on 16 July 2025.

200 years ago, the world’s first train ran between Stockton and Darlington – a private initiative that showed how bold ideas could transform mobility and society. As the UK celebrates this anniversary, the government plans to centralise the system under Great British Railways (GBR). But with no clear KPIs, untested promises of savings, and fares set to rise by a whopping 5.8% next March, a giant new public body risks delivering less choice and little innovation.

Our Legal Officer, Guillem Ochoa attended the 2025 annual conference of the Association Française du Rail (AFRA) – the French Association representing new entrants in passenger and freight rail.

Commenting on Belgium’s proposed ‘domestic-first’ rule for train paths, ALLRAIL said it “breaches non-discriminatory access and limits passenger choice, Belgium should expand capacity, not restrict it.”