Jobs Contact us Become a Member Navigate Home About us Who we are Members Presiding Board Committees Staff Topics Fourth Railway Package Standards and Regulation Trade & International Affairs EU Financing for Rail Environment & Sustainability All topics Research Overview ERRAC FP7 Projects Horizon2020 projects SHIFT²RAIL Publications & Press Press releases Publications UNIFE in the press World Rail Market Study Events UNIFE Events UNIFE Involved $count=0; ADVOCATING EUROPEAN POLICIES FAVOURABLE TO RAIL Representing rail industry interests at the international and EU Level Promoting Rail Market Growth for Sustainable Mobility Enhancing the competitiveness of the European Rail Supply Industry SHAPING AN INTEROPERABLE AND EFFICIENT EUROPEAN RAILWAY SYSTEM Collaborating with the EU to build a Single European Railway Area ENSURING EUROPEAN RAIL SUPPLY INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP OF THE GLOBAL MARKET Driving Innovation for a Competitive European Rail Industry Unife news All News 28/ SEP 2017 ERTMS Commissioner Bulc expresses her support for ERTMS European Deployment Plan The Commissioner of Transport, Violeta Bulc expressed her support to Philippe Citroën for the ERTMS European Deployment Plan during the Connecting Europe Conference organised by the Estonian Presidency of the Council and the European Commission. UNIFE/UNISIG was present at the ERTMS stand. Read more 25/ SEP 2017 European Commission Estonian Presidency UNIFE at the Connecting Europe Conference in Tallinn On 21-22 September, UNIFE attended the Connecting Europe Conference in Tallinn. Organised by the European Commission and the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the EU, the event took place at a crucial time when all European institutions are preparing for the negotiations on the future post-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Read more 14/ SEP 2017 EU Funds Research Projects European Commission UNIFE’s successful mobilisation for a strong European industrial strategy On 13 September, the European Commission published an important Communication entitled “Investing in a smart, innovative and sustainable Industry: A renewed EU Industrial Policy Strategy”. Read more Spotlight What are the benefits of joining UNIFE? 04/07/2017 UNIFE is the Association representing the European Rail Manufacturing and Supply Industry at both the European and international level and is a trusted partner of the European Union Institutions in all matters related to rail and transport. Read more about the benefits Press releases Publications European rail sector applauds full adoption of Fourth Railway Package Technical Pillar Fourth Railway Package 28/04/2016 Today, the European Parliament overwhelmingly approved the Council Common Position on the Technical Pillar of the Fourth Railway Package, as agreed during the trialogue negotiations that came to an end in June 2015. The text will now undergo some further procedural steps in order to be published in the EU Official Journal in the coming months. Read more RZD (Russian Railways) and UNIFE sign a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation on the International Railway Industry Standard (IRIS) IRIS Certification Quality standard 02/09/2015 At the occasion of the 2015 EXPO 1520, held this week in Moscow, UNIFE, the European Rail Industry Association, represented by UNIFE Director-General Philippe Citroën, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with RZD (Russian Railways), represented by Valentin Gapanovich, Senior Vice-President, RZD, for cooperation in the areas of technical documentation exchange, best practices, and the promotion of a strong culture of quality in the rail sector through the International Railway Industry Standard (IRIS). Read more Deutsche Bahn and UNIFE sign a Memorandum of Understanding on IRIS (International Railway Industry Standard) IRIS Certification Quality standard 21/08/2015 This morning at DB AG Headquarters in Berlin, UNIFE, represented by UNIFE Chairman Lutz Bertling and UNIFE Director-General Philippe Citroën, signed a MoU for Cooperation with DB, represented by Dr Volker Kefer, Member of the DB Management Board for Infrastructure, Services and Technology on the advancement of the International Railway Industry Standard (IRIS). Read more Aiming high - CER and UNIFE welcome TRAN vote on the report on implementation of the 2011 White Paper on Transport SHIFT²RAIL 2011 White Paper TRAN Committee 14/07/2015 CER and UNIFE welcome all the efforts made by the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) of the European Parliament, under the lead of Wim van de Camp MEP, on its own-initiative report ‘Implementation of the 2011 White Paper on Transport: taking stock and the way forward towards sustainable mobility’, which was adopted today. Read more UNIFE promotes fair market access for European rail suppliers on Japanese Market Trade International affairs EU-Japan 09/07/2015 On the occasion of the 9th UIC World Congress on High Speed Rail in Tokyo, and with the 11th round of negotiations of the EU-Japan Free Trade Agreement currently ongoing in Brussels, UNIFE hosted a reception for senior representatives of European rail equipment suppliers and Japanese railway undertakings at the EU Delegation to Japan in Tokyo. Read more UNIFE General Assembly 2015 held in Bucharest, Romania European affairs General Assembly Rail Investments 18/06/2015 Leaders of the European Rail industry gathered today in Bucharest, Romania on the occasion of the 2015 European Rail Industry Association (UNIFE) General Assembly. UNIFE members selected Bucharest for their General Assembly this year to demonstrate their hope that Romania and other countries in the region will absorb available EU structural funds to invest in their rail systems and also to draw attention to the enormous potential of the Romanian rail market. Read more Third EU-Japan Industrial Dialogue on Railways highlights the way forward for FTA negotiations Trade International affairs EU-Japan 21/05/2015 UNIFE and CER participated in the 3rd meeting of the EU-Japan Industrial Dialogue on Railways, which took place on 21 May in Brussels. The meeting was organised by the European Commission and the Japanese government and facilitated exchanges on critical topics addressed in the EU-Japan Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, especially market access issues and technical regulations and standards. Read more Open letter on the Commission proposal for a Regulation establishing a European Fund for Strategic Investments EU Funds Rail Investments Infrastructure 10/02/2015 The undersigned stakeholder associations highlight the important need for investment in transport infrastructure. In the TEN-T Guidelines, the European Parliament and Member States have agreed on a policy that is to guide decisions as to which transport projects should receive funding as a matter of priority. Read more Lord Andrew Adonis and Alexander Neumeister receive the European Railway Award 2015 Rail Investments Fourth Railway Package Innovation 21/01/2015 The European Railway Award 2015 was presented today to Lord Andrew Adonis, former Secretary of State for Transport in the UK (2009-2010), and to industrial designer Alexander Neumeister. Read more UNIFE stresses the importance of eliminating barriers to access to the Japanese rail market for EU suppliers in the ongoing FTA negotiations with Japan Trade Member states International affairs 17/10/2014 Following the agreement of the Member States to accept the Commission’s proposal to lift the EU objection to the delisting of three Japanese Railways (JR East, Central and West), the European Rail Industry Association (UNIFE) calls on the EU negotiating party to make efforts to guarantee market access opportunities for European suppliers in rail transport procurement in Japan. Read more UNIFE & Romanian Rail Industry Association urge investment of EU Structural Funds in Rail EU Funds Member states Infrastructure 08/10/2014 BUCHAREST—On the occasion of the Club Feroviar & AIF “Railway Days Wider Black Sea Area Railway Investment Summit” in Bucharest, UNIFE, in support of its Associated Member, the Romanian Railway Industry Association, AIF, would like to bring attention to the challenging situation and outlook of the Romanian Rail system with regard to the draft General Transport Master Plan outlined by the current Romanian Government which proposes a drastic reduction in the existing railway lines in the country. Read more Rail Sector Urgently Needs Adoption of Technical Pillar of the Fourth Railway Package Interoperability Fourth Railway Package European Railway Agency 06/10/2014 On 8 October, EU Transport Ministers will meet in Brussels to discuss the Fourth Railway Package. In view of this important meeting, UNIFE and CER reiterate the European rail sector´s concerns on the lack of action on the Package’s Technical Pillar (i.e. the revision of the Regulation establishing a European Railway Agency, the Directive on rail interoperability and the Directive on rail safety). Read more UN Climate Summit: The European Rail Industry on the Frontline Environment Sustainability Climate Change 24/09/2014 NEW YORK CITY—On 23 September, UNIFE, the European Rail Industry Association, participated in the United Nations Climate Summit hosted by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in New York City. The main objectives of the Climate Summit were to catalyse ambitious action from stakeholders and to mobilise the political will for an ambitious legally-binding global climate agreement at the COP 21 in Paris (2015). Read more World rail supply market predicted to continue growing despite economic slowdown Rail Investments Rolling Stock World Rail Market Study 23/09/2014 BERLIN—Despite low economic growth and public deficit problems in several important countries, the world rail supply industry steadily grew at approximately 1.5% per annum in the period from 2011 to 2013, according to the 2014 UNIFE World Rail Market Study released today at InnoTrans. Read more SHIFT²RAIL officially launched alongside other Horizon2020 JTIs at the European Commission’s launch event in Brussels Horizon2020 Shift2Rail Research Projects 09/07/2014 BRUSSELS—European Commission President José Manuel Barroso greeted CEOs and leadership of seven public private partnerships set up under the EU’s new research and innovation programme, Horizon 2020. Read more CER and UNIFE call for a Transport Pillar within the 2030 Framework for Climate and Energy Policies Environment Climate Change 2030 Framework 26/06/2014 UNIFE and CER encourage the Member States to consider a transport dimension for the post 2020 climate and energy policies ahead of the European Council that will take place on 26-27 June. Read more EU-Japan Free Trade Agreement negotiations: UNIFE calls for more progress on the One-Year Package on railway procurement Trade Member states International affairs 25/06/2014 BRUSSELS—On the day of the EU Trade Policy Committee and in the progress review of negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by Member States, the European Rail Industry Association (UNIFE) wishes to reiterate the importance of achieving a level playing field between the EU and Japanese rail markets. Read more CER and UNIFE call for agreement on Technical Pillar under Italian Presidency Authorisation Fourth Railway Package EU Presidency 24/06/2014 BRUSSELS—On 1 July, the Italian Presidency will start its work taking over from Greece. CER Executive Director Libor Lochman and UNIFE Director General Philippe Citroën are looking forward to working with the Presidency and wish them a successful period. Read more EU Council officially adopts the SHIFT²RAIL Regulation; the Joint Undertaking for Rail Research is now a reality Shift2Rail EU Presidency Transport Council 16/06/2014 LUXEMBOURG—UNIFE—the European Rail Industry Association, on behalf of the 125 organisations promoting the SHIFT²RAIL initiative, lauds the Council of the European Union’s final adoption of the Regulation establishing the SHIFT²RAIL Joint Undertaking. Read more UNIFE members elect Lutz Bertling, President of Bombardier Transportation as UNIFE Chairman General Assembly EU Presidency European Railway Agency 12/06/2014 LONDON — UNIFE, gathered its members, business leaders from European rail supply manufacturing companies, together in London today on the occasion of the 23rd General Assembly meeting. This General Assembly marks the end of the Chairmanship term of Henri Poupart-Lafarge, President of Alstom Transport, and after a unanimous vote during the UNIFE Statutory Meeting, Lutz Bertling, President and COO of Bombardier Transportation was elected as the new Chairman of UNIFE. Read more Council of Ministers Reaches Political Agreement on Technical Pillar of the Fourth Railway Package 05/06/2014 LUXEMBOURG—Today, the Council of Ministers reached political agreements on the three texts of the Technical Pillar of the Fourth Railway Package. UNIFE welcomes this progress made on the Technical Pillar and would like to thank the Council and the Greek Presidency for their work on this legislation. Read more EU-Japan Free Trade Agreement negotiations: UNIFE calls for more progress in the rail sector 07/05/2014 BRUSSELS—On the day of the EU-Japan Summit and in the progress review of negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by Member States, the European Rail Industry Association (UNIFE) wishes to reiterate the importance of achieving a level playing field between the EU and Japanese rail markets. Read more EU-Japan Industrial Dialogue on Railways to give momentum to FTA negotiations 27/03/2014 BRUSSELS—UNIFE and CER actively participated in the first meeting of the EU-Japan Industrial Dialogue on Railways, which took place on 27 March in Brussels. The Industrial Dialogue was organised by the European Commission and the Japanese government and facilitated exchanges on critical topics addressed in the EU-Japan Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, including technical regulations and safety standards, railways markets and market access issues. Read more Council Reaches General Approach on ERA Regulation 14/03/2014 BRUSSELS—Today, the Transport Council reached a general approach on the Regulation on the European Railway Agency (ERA). With this agreement, the Council has completed the work on the technical pillar of the Fourth Railway Package which consists of the revised Interoperability Directive, the Safety Directive, and the ERA Regulation. Read more EU Transport Council adopts a favourable position on SHIFT²RAIL, a major step towards the creation of the Joint Undertaking for Rail Research 14/03/2014 BRUSSELS—UNIFE, the European Rail Industry Association, on behalf of the 115 organisations promoting the SHIFT²RAIL initiative, lauds the Council of the European Union’s adoption of a favourable position on the regulation establishing the SHIFT²RAIL Joint Undertaking. Read more UNIFE appreciates the work and commitment of the Members of the EP on the Technical Pillar of the Fourth Railway Package Interoperability Fourth Railway Package European Parliament 26/02/2014 BRUSSELS—UNIFE welcomes the voting outcome of the European Parliament on the Fourth Railway Package on 26 February 2014. In particular, UNIFE appreciates the work and commitment of the Members of the European Parliament on the Technical Pillar of the Package. Read more UNIFE welcomes the vote on the Fourth Railway Package 17/12/2013 BRUSSELS—On 17 December 2013, the TRAN Committee of the European Parliament voted on the Fourth Railway Package. UNIFE, the Association of the European rail industry, welcomes the vote and thanks the Members of the TRAN Committee for their work on the Technical Pillar of the Package. Read more UNIFE applauds the European Commission’s adoption of SHIFT²RAIL, tripling EU-funding for rail research and innovation 16/12/2013 UNIFE—the European Rail Industry Association, on behalf of the 80 organisations promoting the SHIFT²RAIL initiative, welcomes the publication today of the European Commission’s proposal for a Council regulation establishing the SHIFT²RAIL Joint Undertaking (JU). Read more The Fourth Railway Package's Technical Pillar: a top priority for the railway sector 03/12/2013 The Association of the European Rail Industry (UNIFE), the International Union of Wagon Keepers (UIP), European Rail Freight Association (ERFA), the International Union for Road-Rail combined transport (UIRR) and the International Union of Railways (UIC) confirm their strong support for the Technical Pillar of the Fourth Railway Package. Read more UNIFE participates in Transport Day 2013 during the 19th Conference of Parties (COP19) 18/11/2013 WARSAW—On 17 November, UNIFE participated in Transport Day 2013, an event dedicated to sustainable, low-carbon transport and taking place during the 19th Conference of the Parties (COP19) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) in Warsaw. The event was organized by the Bridging the Gap Initiative and the SLoCaT Partnership. It was supported by seventeen organisations including UNIFE, UIC and UITP, and attended by over 150 participants from all over the world. The aims of the conference were: To demonstrate the contribution that transport can make to mitigation and adaptation, specifically in the context of sustainable development; To promote the integration of transport in policy making on climate change mitigation and adaptation under the UNFCCC; To ensure that modalities for financing, capacity building, and technology transfer under the UNFCCC are appropriate for the transport sector. During the opening session, UNIFE Director General Philippe Citroën intervened along with high-level speakers such as Nikhil Seth, Director Sustainable Development Division in UN-DESA representing UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. On behalf of Transport Day 2013 Supporting Organizations, Philippe Citroën commented, “Transport policies and technologies have already proven their mitigation potential, and the new global agreement represents a unique opportunity to fully encapsulate this potential in order to scale them up.” UNIFE was also represented by Giles Dickson, Vice President Environmental Policies and Global Advocacy at Alstom, in a stream on policy making on sustainable, low carbon transport in the developing world. Giles Dickson said: “Rail technologies are already clean and keep improving. Rail can have a huge impact in combatting climate change, but policies have to be right.” The Warsaw Statement on Low Carbon Transport and Sustainable Development, which UNIFE endorsed, was officially adopted at the end of the event. The Warsaw Statement contains recommendations on how to strengthen the integration of sustainable, low carbon transport in the UNFCCC process, especially the new global agreement on climate change. Transport Day 2013 is the first of three annual events dedicated to the promotion of sustainable low-carbon transport in a global context preceding the 2015 Paris conference that should define the post-2020 international climate framework. The event built upon previous cooperation work amongst sustainable transport stakeholders such as during COP18 (Doha), when UNIFE co-organised a side event on “Transport and our low carbon future”. More information can be found on the website of SLoCaT: http://www.slocat.net/ UNIFE and APTA sign Memorandum of Understanding 06/11/2013 WASHINGTON, DC—The European Rail Industry Association (UNIFE) and the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to reinforce ties between the European and American rail sectors. The MoU was signed last evening by Philippe Citroën (Director General of UNIFE) and Michael Melaniphy (President and CEO of APTA) at a reception hosted by the European Union Delegation to the United States in Washington. This agreement outlines a framework for cooperation and information exchange between the two associations. The signing of this MoU will be followed by meetings throughout the week between APTA, UNIFE, and their members on a number of topics. Philippe Citroën commented, “UNIFE is very pleased to formally establish a link with APTA, and we look forward to continued collaboration on our shared challenges. In addition to sharing many of the same members, APTA and UNIFE have the common goal of promoting rail and public transportation as a solution to future mobility challenges. This MoU follows in the footsteps of an existing MoU between the Federal Railroad Administration and the European Rail Agency signed in 2012 and will add to the transatlantic dialogue and best practice sharing in the domain of rail transport.” Michael Melaniphy said: “APTA is delighted to work closely with UNIFE, and we look forward to close cooperation and collaboration as both organizations work to advance rail transportation. The European and United States rail sectors have much to learn from each other. This Memorandum of Understanding facilitates the sharing of best practices and the robust exchange of information in technical and policy areas.” Read more Will the Council’s approach to the Safety Directive stumble on the last mile? 30/09/2013 The Association of the European Railway Industry (UNIFE), the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), the European Rail Freight Association (ERFA), the International Union of Wagon Keepers (UIP), the European Passenger Train and Traction Operating Lessors Association (EPPTOLA), Read more UNIFE signs Memorandum of Understanding with Russian Railway Sector 11/09/2013 MOSCOW—At the occasion of the 4th International Rail Salon EXPO 1520 in Moscow, UNIFE, the European Rail Industry, and UIRE, the Russian Union of Industries of Railway Equipment signed a Memorandum of Understanding and cooperation to reinforce ties between the European and Russian railway sectors. Read more Full steam ahead for the Fourth Railway Package’s Technical Pillar 26/07/2013 The Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) and the European Rail Industry Association (UNIFE) emphasise their support for the Fourth Railway Package’s Technical Pillar and appreciate the European Parliament and Council intensive work to improve it. They therefore encourage the Council to assign the agreed principles of the Interoperability Directive to the Safety Directive. Read more DG Enterprise and Industry Releases its Competitiveness Survey of the Rail Supply Industry 03/07/2013 At the UNIFE—The European Rail Industry Association 2013 General Assembly meeting in Vienna, Austria, Deputy Head of Unit, Sustainable Mobility and Automotive Unit from the European Commission’s DG Enterprise and Industry, Barbara Bonvissuto, announced the publication of its survey on the Competitiveness of the European rail supply industry. Read more UNIFE participates in the Berlin High-level Dialogue on implementing Rio+20 decisions on sustainable cities and urban transport 20/06/2013 BERLIN—Among other messages, the document called upon governments to “support the development of sustainable transport systems, including energy efficient multimodal transport systems, notably public mass transportation systems.” Read more Fourth Railway Package – rail sector needs Technical Pillar 05/06/2013 CER, UNIFE, UIP, EPTTOLA and UITP wish to confirm their strong support for the Technical Pillar of the Fourth Railway Package and stress the importance and urgency for reaching an agreement between the European Council and the European Parliament on this part of the proposal as laid out in the compromise text prepared by the Irish Presidency in April 2013. Read more Rail organisations opposed to cross-border use of ‘megatrucks’ 15/04/2013 The new proposal from the European Commission to revise Directive 1996/53 published today (Monday 15 April), will allow vehicles which exceed the current European truck limits of 40 tonnes (44 tonnes if part of combined transport) and 18.75m in length to cross borders between countries if both countries agree. Read more ELEVEN ORGANISATIONS from across industries and transport modes join forces today to drive forward the electrification of surface transport 19/03/2013 Today, 19 March 2013, the Platform for the Electrification of Surface Transport is holding its maiden event at the Hotel Renaissance in Brussels, starting at 18.30. Read more The European rail industry welcomes the Commission’s proposals to make the rail sector more efficient 31/01/2013 UNIFE welcomes the proposal of the European Commission for the Fourth Railway Package. UNIFE shares the Commission’s objectives of competitive rail transport in Europe and of the creation of a Single European Railway Area. Read more UNIFE welcomes rail sector commitment to ERTMS 16/04/2012 Copenhagen, 16 April 2012 – UNIFE, the European Rail Industry, welcomed today the signature of a new Memorandum of Understanding on ERTMS involving the European Commission, the European Railway Agency and the railway associations (CER, UIC, UNIFE, EIM, GSM-R Industry Group and ERFA) during a Danish Presidency event in Copenhagen, which has been jointly chaired by Danish Transport Minister Henrik Dam Kristensen and Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas. Read more UNIFE and CER welcome the Council’s general approach on TEN-T 22/03/2012 The Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) and the European Railway Industry (UNIFE) generally welcome the overall approach on the European Commission proposal for the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Guidelines reached by EU transport ministers on 22 March. At the same time they urge member states to ensure the availability of the necessary financial means to make the proposed networks reality. Read more UNIFE top management addresses industry’s priorities to the Chairman of the EU Transport Council 08/03/2012 Copenhagen 8 March 2012 – Members of the UNIFE top management met with the Danish Transport Minister and current Chairman of the EU Transport Council Henrik Dam Kristensen to present the industry’s priorities for the first semester of 2012. Read more Working the switches for the European Railway Agency to becoming the single railway authority in Europe 27/02/2012 The Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) and the Association of the European Rail Industry (UNIFE) presented their joint vision on the future role of the European Railway Agency (ERA). Read more European rail sector welcomes Parliament’s proposed goals for the future of transport and calls for immediate action 15/12/2011 The Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), and the European Rail Industry (UNIFE) welcome the own initiative report of Mr. Grosch on a Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area adopted today by the European Parliament. Read more Wider benefits of high speed rail confirmed in new studies 09/12/2011 The carbon footprint of high speed rail can be up to 14 times less carbon intensive than car travel and up to 15 times less than aviation even when measured over the full life-cycle of planning, construction and operation. Read more European rail sector welcomes Commission’s vision for the future of transport and calls for effective implementation 28/03/2011 The Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), the European Rail Infrastructure Managers (EIM) and the European Rail Industry (UNIFE) welcome the publication today of the long anticipated Transport White Paper setting out the EU transport policy for the next ten years including perspectives up to 2050. Read more More UNIFE Involved ERTMS European Railway Traffic Management System Read more IRIS International Rail Industry Standard Read more ERRAC The European Rail Research Advisory Council Read more WRMS World Rail Market Study The Study is a reference for the rail sector and is regularly referred to as a standard set of data for the rail supply industry. Click here to view the executive summary Read more Industry News Safeguarding the competitiveness of light rail Over the past 30 or 40 years, many cities around the world have invested in trams[…] Read more... Crenshaw/LAX tunnel progress USA: Excavation of one of the twin tunnels for the Crenshaw/LAX light rail line in Los[…] Read more... DB and Siemens launch predictive maintenance pilot GERMANY: Deutsche Bahn and Siemens have launched a 12-month pilot project to provide data to... Read more... 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