Europe’s Rail is pleased to take part in the Transport Research Arena (TRA) 2026, held in Budapest from 18 to 21 May 2026.

During the event, EU-Rail will be present in the exhibition area alongside the European Commission and other Joint Undertakings, including SESAR JU, Clean Hydrogen and Clean Aviation. This joint presence will showcase the importance of cooperation across transport modes and highlight how European research and innovation funding contributes to building a more connected, sustainable and resilient mobility system.

Driving dialogue on the future of transport

EU-Rail will actively contribute to several high-level panel discussions, sharing expertise and results from its research and innovation programme. These sessions will address key strategic challenges and opportunities for the sector, including:

• strengthening governance frameworks for transport research and innovation, from early-stage research to large-scale deployment
• improving connectivity between urban, suburban and rural areas through multimodal mobility solutions for both passengers and freight
• integrating advanced technologies such as robotics and autonomous systems into railway maintenance
• fostering synergies across transport modes, particularly in accelerating the uptake of hydrogen technologies

Through these discussions, EU-Rail will contribute to advancing practical solutions, addressing current barriers, and defining future priorities for a more competitive and innovative European transport system.

Supporting future innovators

EU-Rail is also proud to support the Rail Category of the TRA Visions Award, which recognises outstanding and forward-looking research in the rail sector.

More information on EU-Rail’s activities at TRA 2026 will follow soon. In the meantime, explore the programme below to find out where and when to meet us.

Monday, 18 May 2026

14:00 – 15:00
Plenary session: Governance of research and innovation – from fundamental research to deployment
Panelist: Giorgio Travaini, Executive Director, Europe’s Rail

EU-Rail will also attend the official TRA networking reception on the same day. At 19:00, the winners of the TRA Visions Young Researchers Awards, including the Rail Category supported by EU-Rail, will be announced.

Wednesday, 20 May 2026

10:30 – 12:00
Strategic session: Multimodal mobility services for passengers and goods in suburban and rural areas
Speaker: Judit Sandor, Programme Manager, Europe’s Rail

14:00 – 15:30
Special session: Transforming railway maintenance with robotics and autonomous solutions
Speaker: Sébastien Denis, Senior Programme Manager, Europe’s Rail

16:00 – 17:30
Special session: Shaping the future of European rail – results and perspectives for a future rail partnership
Speaker: Giorgio Travaini, Executive Director

Thursday, 21 May 2026

15:30 – 17:00
Special session: Synergies in hydrogen applications across transport modes (aviation, waterborne, rail and heavy-duty vehicles)
Speaker: Nicolas Furio, Head of the Europe’s Rail Innovation Pillar