CER: Rail contributes EUR 247 billion to EU economy
The European rail sector generated EUR 247 billion in economic value and supported more than 3.1 million jobs in 2023, according to a new study by Oxford Economics for the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER).
The figures – equivalent to 1.4 percent of EU GDP and larger than the entire Greek economy – were published this week by CER as part of its campaign to highlight rail’s role in the European Green Deal. The study covers direct employment in rail operations and infrastructure, as well as indirect supply chain activity and induced effects from employee spending.
CER argues the results underline rail’s economic multiplier, with each euro spent generating added value across the wider economy. The organisation is using the findings to press for increased infrastructure investment and regulatory support, warning that rail freight’s market share remains stuck at around 18 percent despite EU ambitions to reach 30 percent by 2030.
“The cost of failing to achieve the shift to rail will be paid in lost economic and environmental benefits,” CER stated, calling on Brussels and member states to prioritise rail in transport investment decisions.
Outlook:
The report gives policymakers a new reference point as EU institutions prepare mid-term reviews of transport targets. With modal shift progress limited, the findings are likely to be cited in upcoming debates over infrastructure funding and regulatory frameworks.