The European Commission, alongside the European Union Agency for Railways and Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking, are gearing up to showcase their collective efforts at InnoTrans 2024, the world’s leading trade fair for transport technology. Held in Berlin from September 24th to 27th, this event serves as a vibrant platform for discussions, presentations, and the unveiling of groundbreaking rail solutions. It’s a testament to the EU’s unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable, intelligent, and competitive transportation systems.
At the heart of the event, a dedicated ‘Europe for Rail’ booth (Hall 27, Stand 511) will be a magnet for rail and mobility experts, influential decision-makers, and policy leaders. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to delve into the latest advancements in rail technology, with over 20 groundbreaking innovations from the EU-Rail R&I program on display.
A highlight of the event is the VIP tour of the EU booth on September 24th at 11:30 AM, graced by the presence of Germany’s Minister for Digital and Transport, Dr. Volker Wissing, and Kristian Schmidt, Director for Land Transport at the European Commission. This visit will mark the unveiling of a digital Catalogue of Solutions, a crucial step in the EU’s ambitious plan to shift freight transport from road to rail. This initiative is deeply aligned with the goals of the European Green Deal, a cornerstone of the EU’s policy agenda to combat climate change.
Magda Kopczyńska, Director-General for Mobility and Transport at the European Commission, emphasized the significance of InnoTrans 2024: “InnoTrans has always been a key event for the Commission, but this year it feels especially timely. President von der Leyen has emphasized the next mandate’s focus on sustainable prosperity and competitiveness in her political guidelines, and rail is central to both. With its strong sustainability credentials and vast potential to enhance competitiveness, rail is exactly what we aim to highlight at our EU stand this year, alongside ERA and Europe’s Rail!”
The excitement will begin even before the official opening of InnoTrans. A special train, organized by Europe’s Rail and its partners, will journey from Brussels to Berlin. The train will be filled with distinguished guests, including Georges Gilkinet, Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Mobility, and other prominent figures in the rail sector. The six-hour journey will provide an ideal setting for panel discussions and workshops focusing on the benefits of rail for passengers, the deployment of innovative solutions, the importance of women in the rail industry, and strategies for digital advancement.
Upon arrival in Berlin, these high-profile guests will be warmly welcomed by Ute Bonde, Senator for Urban Mobility, Transport, Climate Action, and the Environment for the State of Berlin, along with Richard Lutz and Michael Peter, key figures in European railway and infrastructure companies.
Giorgio Travaini, Executive Director at the Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking, shared his enthusiasm: “I am proud to kick-off our participation to InnoTrans with this European train, showcasing the commitment of all rail stakeholders and the European Union to make a real impact on travelling green. This 6-hour journey gives us the opportunity to enjoy a moment of discussion and reflection on future rail innovations and opportunities that will make rail and Europe more attractive and competitive in the years to come.”
Josef Doppelbauer, Executive Director of the European Union Agency for Railways, echoed this sentiment: “European spirit means freedom of movement – this spirit is alive on this train: moving Europe towards a sustainable and safe railway system without frontiers.”
Throughout InnoTrans 2024, the event will host numerous thematic sessions, including Speakers Corners dedicated to digitalization, the Data Act (DAC), climate action, and enhancing the appeal and affordability of rail services. The Women in Rail awards will also be a highlight, recognizing the vital contributions of women in the industry. These awards underscore the EU’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the sector.
InnoTrans 2024 invites all to witness the future of rail transportation—a future where sustainability, innovation, and collaboration propel Europe towards a thriving and eco-friendly horizon. This collaborative effort is a testament to the EU’s unwavering commitment to improving cross-border rail connections and supporting the European Green Deal’s objective of reducing transport emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
