BT4Europe , the European Network of Business Travel Associations, has joined with European Government Ministers, Members of the European Parliament across the political parties, civil society organisations, and industry groups to write to European Commission President Von der Leyen, Executive Vice-President Šefčovič and Transport Commissioner Vălean, to call upon them to act upon the recent renaissance of night trains and present a European strategy for developing a comprehensive night train network.
The signatories, including BT4Europe, write in the letter: ‘Night trains are experiencing a revival throughout Europe, driven by popular demand for a climate-friendly alternative travel option. European institutions are increasingly recognizing the potential of night trains, though important obstacles remain. We therefore urge you to present a European night train strategy.’
BT4Europe Chair Patrick Diemer says: ‘There is huge opportunity in Europe to shift long distance business travel from road and air travel to rail to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and boost business efficiency. However, for this opportunity to be seized significant obstacles need to be overcome, not least the provision of night train services that represent sustainable and high-quality business options, a comprehensive network linking the main European business centers, and fully integrated booking, payment and ticketing processes, across all forms of transportation, backed up by end-to-end passenger rights.’
Patrick Diemer concluded: ‘Business travel is a cornerstone of economic activity across Europe, playing a vital role for corporations, public institutions, and millions of business travelers. It is therefore absolutely key to the viability of a revitalized European night train network. So we are proud to be working with our partners to lead the call for a European Strategy for developing a comprehensive night train network that would promote the goals of the European Green Deal. A comprehensive night train network in Europe can help us reduce the environmental footprint of business travel and realise a greener, more interconnected and prosperous Europe’.
The signatories are:
Anna Deparnay-Grunenberg, Member of the European Parliament
Leonore Gewessler, Federal Minister for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology, Austria
Georges Gilkinet, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Mobility, Belgium
Francois Bausch, Minister for Mobility and Public Works, Luxembourg
Karima Delli, MEP, Greens/EFA, Chair of TRAN Committee
Jan-Christoph Oetjen, MEP, Renew, Vice-Chair of TRAN Committee
Barbara Thaler, MEP, EPP, Member of TRAN Committee
Thomas Rudner, MEP, S&D, Member of TRAN Committee
Dominique Riquet, MEP, Renew (Vice-Chair), Member of TRAN Committee
Ciaran Cuffe, MEP, Greens/EFA, Member of TRAN Committee
Tilly Metz, MEP, Greens/EFA, Member of TRAN Committee
Jakop Dalunde, MEP, Greens/EFA, Member of TRAN Committee
T&E (European Federation for Transport and Environment)
BT4Europe (European Network of Business Travel Associations)
Allrail (Alliance of Passenger Rail New Entrants in Europe)
CER (Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies)
UNIFE (European Rail Supply Industry Association)
