The Czech Minister of Transport, Ivan Bednárik, has called for increased EU funding for rail infrastructure and stronger support for rail freight, during meetings with European Commission officials in Brussels.
In talks with DG MOVE Director-General Magda Kopczyńska and other EU stakeholders, Bednárik highlighted the importance of securing sufficient financing under the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), particularly for large-scale rail projects.
“It is essential to ensure adequate co-financing for key infrastructure projects,” Bednárik said, pointing to the Czech Republic’s plans to develop a high-speed rail network, which will depend heavily on EU support.
From a European perspective, Prague is prioritising the completion of the TEN-T core network and the removal of bottlenecks on cross-border sections, both seen as critical for improving connectivity and capacity across the bloc.
The discussions also addressed the deteriorating situation in rail freight, with the Czech side warning that current trends are not aligned with EU ambitions to shift transport from road to rail.
“Rail freight operators across Europe are facing significant cost increases, particularly due to energy prices and systemic factors, which is weakening their competitiveness against road transport,” Bednárik noted.
As part of its contribution to the debate, the Czech Republic is preparing a non-paper aimed at opening discussion on concrete measures to improve the competitiveness of rail freight in Europe. The document is expected to be presented at the EU Transport Council in June.
Alongside meetings with the European Commission, Bednárik also held discussions with Members of the European Parliament and representatives of the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), underlining the growing focus on rail policy at EU level.
