Berlin, September 22 – More than 300 representatives of the European rail sector traveled from Brussels to Berlin on September 21 aboard the European Train, an initiative organised as a joint industry journey to InnoTrans 2026. The second edition of this event, spearheaded by Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking in collaboration with the European Commission’s DG MOVE and DG INTPA, and the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA), brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including railway representatives from 18 non-EU countries.
A Mobile Forum for Rail Innovation
The European Train served as a dynamic platform, uniting European institutions, railway industry representatives, passenger organisations, trade unions, and sector associations. Instead of traditional trade fair programming, the journey itself was utilised for intensive panel discussions, bilateral meetings, and crucial networking opportunities. This innovative approach allowed participants to engage in focused dialogue while en route to Berlin.
Key Discussions on the Future of Rail
Discussions held during the journey covered a broad spectrum of vital topics for the future of the European rail sector. These included:
- Railway resilience
- The development of high-speed rail in Europe
- Rail freight challenges and opportunities
- Harmonisation and modernisation of future railway systems
- The human factor within the sector
The dialogue on high-speed rail was particularly pertinent, linking directly to the European Commission’s recently adopted High-Speed Rail Plan. Organisers highlighted that the journey provided an invaluable platform to assess current deliverables from European institutions and railway stakeholders under this plan, as well as to identify further measures that could be implemented within the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework.
Arrival in Berlin and Future Outlook
The European Train concluded its journey at Berlin Hauptbahnhof, where a welcome ceremony marked its arrival. A representative of the Berlin Senate attended the ceremony, and speeches reflected on the productive discussions that took place between Brussels and Berlin. This initiative successfully brought a significant portion of the European railway sector together for InnoTrans, the world’s leading international trade fair for transport technology.
For the participants, the Brussels-Berlin journey offered several hours for in-depth discussions on issues that are expected to be further explored and debated within the exhibition halls in Berlin. The event underscored the collaborative spirit and shared commitment to advancing the European rail industry.
This gathering precedes InnoTrans 2026, a pivotal event for the global railway industry, where innovations and strategies for the future of rail transport will be showcased and discussed. The European Train initiative effectively set the stage for these critical conversations, fostering unity and strategic planning among key players in the sector.
Source: https://railmarket.com/news/business/63418-european-train-brings-rail-sector-from-brussels-to-berlin-for-innotrans-2026
