“As a result, the port-rail area has different operational and infrastructural needs, which should be reflected in the legal regime applicable to the port-rail interface”, the two associations highlighted in a joint paper. What they are asking is to assess, together with EU legislators, to what extent the current regulatory framework of the port-rail interface can be simplified without hampering safety and interoperability.

Better port-rail coordination

Concerning the cooperation between ports and railways, CER and ESPO underlined how fragmentation continues to be a challenge. The main issues they identified are “fragmented planning, complex interfaces between actors, different IT-systems, limited data exchange and last-mile cost challenges”. According to them, port authorities, railway undertakings, infrastructure managers and terminal operators all need to ramp up their commitment. They should prioritise the standardisation of IT systems and data exchange as well as planning and investments.

It’s all about the money, money, money

The last issue brought up in the joint paper published by CER and ESPO is adequate funding. Despite acknowledging the importance of mechanisms such as the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and the implementation of the TEN-T corridors, they pointed out the need for more. For example, the two associations are asking to increase the CEF package for 2028-2034 to 100 billion euros, compared to the current 81 and change.

They are not alone in this quest, as the same request was recently brought forward by the European Economic and Social Committee. “Adequate EU grants remain indispensable to address infrastructure gaps, strengthen dual-use readiness and support projects with high European added value”, the CEF and ESPO’s joint paper stressed. The cries for help continue to be many, coming from all sides of the logistics and supply chain industry, but managing to be listened to remains the most significant obstacle.

European Cargo Experience

The synergies between ports, terminals and railways will be one of the focal points of the upcoming European Cargo Experience. This brand new event, organised jointly by RailFreight.com and our sister publications World Cargo News and ProjectCargo Journal, will take place in Gdansk on 6 and 7 May 2025.

By gathering players from various sectors, the European Cargo Experience will be the perfect opportunity to have meaningful discussions about the current situation and how it can be improved. Find out more about the programme here and register for the event here, the Early Bird discount only lasts another week.

“Such an instrument is the only effective way to ensure the completion of a seamless and well-functioning, state-of-the-art European Transport Network, which serves as the backbone and enabler of Europe’s internal market”, ESPO says. “A well-functioning transport network is also fundamental for strengthening Europe’s resilience and enhancing its military preparedness.”

Rail Baltica, Fehmarnbelt tunnel, Lyon-Turin

According to ESPO, the Commission’s plan to bring transport funding under a single funding plan per EU member state could backfire for some of Europe’s most important infrastructure projects. ESPO says that the plan “would limit the transport funding under direct EU management to the big cross border projects, such as Rail Baltica, the Fehmarnbelt tunnel or the Lyon-Turin rail connection.”

If funding for cross-border projects is allocated to the national level, ESPO argues, money could go to infrastructure projects that are politically desirable at the national level. It could lead to missing links. “In fact, an approach based on national envelopes risks bringing transport policy back to the 80’s, with national priorities and a patchwork of 27 Member States and of even more regions”, says the organisation. “This will not be conducive to maintaining coherent visions along transport corridors, which are intended to connect the economies of one entity, the European Union, and help to compete with other global economic powers.”