Today, the CEOs of EIM formally approved the work achieved by EIM in 2021 and defined the strategic priorities for the association in the second half of 2022 and beyond. During today’s annual meeting, they agreed on the strategic priorities in the light of the main geopolitical trends of the EU mobility system, such as the decarbonisation of European transport, investment in and financing of rail infrastructure, improved connectivity and accelerated innovation for a smarter and more resilient rail network. Furthermore, they welcomed the Irish rail infrastructure manager Irish Rail as applicant member of EIM. 

The President of EIM, Gorm Frimannslund, states: “The evolution of the global and European context has become more dynamic and also less predictable. Rail infrastructure managers must be able to keep pace with this trend and steer some of its aspects as they are critical actors of the recovering, green and competitive Europe. In this context, I like to thank EIM and its members for the great achievements in 2021 and the joint strategic priorities for the association for the years to come. I also warmly welcome Irish Rail as applicant member of EIM. Only together can we embrace challenges and turn them into opportunities.”

The Executive Director of EIM, Monika Heiming, complements: “Since 2020, EU regulatory activities have multiplied, most of which are relevant for rail infrastructure managers. They come with challenges but also opportunities for EIM and its members, such as a growing awareness of the chronic underfinancing of rail infrastructure investments, the requirement to decarbonise further and the need to accelerate innovation and digitalisation. The next years will be critical for rail infrastructure managers to become fit for the future.”