AM-27-1 to R3: Shifting Europe's Transport Infrastructure Towards Sustainability and Justice: The European Rail Network at the Centre

Gathered in Lisbon the European Greens demand:

– A massive European investment plan in the rail network, including high-speed
lines, cross-border connections, and the renaissance of night trains connecting
European cities

– Affordable train prices that make rail competitive with cars and planes

– An end to unfair aviation subsidies

– An end to fiscal exemptions for flight tickets, and the regulation of low-cost
flights

– An immediate moratorium on airport and port expansions in Europe

– The immediate end to night flights

– Prioritisation of rail freight and local distribution hubs instead of endless
last-mile delivery vans

The European Greens propose to:

– Build a European rail system that guarantees affordable mobility, protects
biodiversity, and reduces Europe’s dependence on fossil fuels

– Learn from countries that have efficient and innovative public transport
systems, like Luxembourg, Japan, South Korea and Switzerland

– Create a single, integrated train booking system for travel across all Europe,
following the model of a single-ticket system currently used in European
countries

– Build rail lines in ways that minimise environmental damage, e.g. through
bridges and tunnels, and ensure accessibility and sufficient space for people
with disabilities and visual impairments

– Make rail the backbone of Europe’s transport system, both for people and
freight, replacing short-haul flights and reducing car dependency

- Create a EU-funded pool of rolling stock (including for night trains)
available for leasing by undertakings

- Recognizing that Europe’s Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) and Outermost Regions (ORs) face unique geographical constraints that make rail-based infrastructure infeasible, the European Greens call for a Mobility Justice Framework ensuring that sustainable mobility investments also support islands and overseas territories.

- We support the decarbonization of aviation and maritime transport serving OCTs, including EU investment in sustainable aviation fuels, electric and hybrid regional aircraft, green ferries, and zero-emission port infrastructure.

- We call for EU mobility policies and funding mechanisms that ensure OCTs are not disadvantaged by strategies centered on rail, and that support climate-resilient infrastructure adapted to hurricanes, rising sea levels, and geographical challenges.