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Public Consultation: Shape the future of European partnerships
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The European rail community gathered on board the European Train heading to InnoTrans 2026
The European rail community, bringing together over 300 participants and representing the entire EU rail sector, alongside a delegation of railway sector representatives from 18 countries worldwide, gathered on board the European Train heading to InnoTrans 2026, travelling from Brussels to Berlin on 21 September 2026.
Rail stakeholders through Europe’s Rail JU, together with the European Commission (DG MOVE and DG INTPA), and the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA), organised the second edition of the European Train, a unique initiative bringing the railway community to InnoTrans, the world’s leading international trade fair for transport technology. The European Train offered remarkable opportunity to unite the entire rail ecosystem – including European institutions, passengers, trade unions, industry and associations – to connect, engage in discussions and network around the future of rail transport in Europe.
The journey itself served as a living space for ideas, with networking opportunities, interactive activities, high-level panel discussions and bilateral meetings. Throughout the journey, participants engaged in discussions on key topics for the future of rail in Europe, including railway resilience, Europe’s high-speed rail future, European rail freight, modernised and harmonised next-generation railway systems, and the human factor in the rail sector.
Moreover, following the adoption of the High-Speed Rail Plan by the European Commission, the European Train contributes to the objectives of this vision and sets the ground for what EU bodies and stakeholders can deliver already today, as well as for further actions in the context of the next Multi-Annual Financial Framework of the Union.
The journey concluded with a welcome ceremony at Berlin Central station, attended by high-level representative of the Berlin Senate and featuring multiple speeches. The ceremony provided an opportunity to reflect on the key discussions and exchanges held throughout the journey and to celebrate this unparalleled initiative connecting the European rail community.
