2020/0035(COD) | [ParlTrack]

Proposal for a decision
Recital 1

(1) In its Communication of 11 December 201915 , the Commission set out a European Green Deal for the European Union and its citizens. The European Green Deal is a new growth strategy that aims to transform the Union into a fair and prosperous society, with a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use. The European Green Deal recognises the need of an effective and progressive response to tackle the urgent treat of climate change and the impacts of the measures taken. __________________ 15Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 11 December 2019 on the European Green Deal (COM/2019/640 final)

Amendment 10 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 4

(4) In line with the objectives set out in the Commission Communication on the European Green Deal, there is a need to transform the Union economy and to rethink policies, in particular in the field of transport and mobility, which implies accelerating the shift to sustainable, intermodal and smart mobility. Transport accounts for a quarter of the Union’s greenhouse gas emissions, and still growing. To achieve climate neutrality as soon as possible, a 90% reduction in transport emissions is needed by 20540. Achieving sustainable transport means putting users first and providing them with more affordable, accessible, healthier and cleaner alternatives to their current mobility habits and consolidating those that are already using sustainable modes of mobility including cycling and walking. The European Green Deal implies to accelerate the shift to sustainable, intermodal and smart mobility to address these challenges. In particular, a substantial part of the 75% of inland freight carried today by road should shift onto rail and inland waterways without putting pressure on further canalisation or deepening of rivers.

Amendment 100 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 1

1. The Commission shall regularly convene meetings of the national coordinators in order to coordinate the running of the European Year. Those meetings shall also serve as opportunities to exchange information regarding the implementation of the European Year at national and Union level; representatives of the European Parliament may participate in those meetings as observers, as may representatives designated by the Committee of the Regions.

Amendment 101 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 1

1. The Commission shall regularly convene meetings of the national coordinators, by involving local and regional players, in order to coordinate the running of the European Year. Those meetings shall also serve as opportunities to exchange information regarding the implementation of the European Year at regional, national and Union level; representatives of the European Parliament may participate in those meetings as observers.

Amendment 102 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 1

1. The Commission shall regularly convene meetings of the national coordinators in order to coordinate the running of the European Year. Those meetings shall also serve as opportunities to exchange information regarding the implementation of the European Year at national and Union level; representatives of the European Parliament ~~may~~shall participate in those meetings as observers.

Amendment 103 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 1

1. The Commission shall regularly convene meetings of the national coordinators in order to coordinate the running of the European Year. Those meetings shall also serve as opportunities to exchange information regarding the implementation of the European Year at national and Union level; representatives of the European Parliament ~~may participate in~~shall be invited to those meetings as observers.

Amendment 104 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 1

1. The Commission shall regularly convene meetings of the national coordinators in order to coordinate the running of the European Year. Those meetings shall ~~also serv~~be asn opportunit~~ies~~y to exchange information regarding the implementation of the European Year at national and Union level; representatives of the European Parliament ~~may~~shall participate in those meetings ~~as observers~~.

Amendment 105 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 2

2. The coordination of the European Year at Union level shall have a transversal approach with a view to creating sustainable synergies between the various Union programmes and initiatives that fund projects in the field of rail transport or that have a rail dimension.

Amendment 106 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1

The Commission shall convene regular meetings of stakeholders and representatives of organisations or bodies active in the field of rail transport, including existing transnational ~~network~~and trans regional networks, civil organizations and relevant NGOs, as well as of youth organisations and communities, to assist it in implementing the European Year at Union level.

Amendment 107 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1

The Commission shall convene regular meetings of stakeholders and representatives of organisations or bodies active in the field of rail transport, including existing transnational ~~networks and~~and transregional networks and specifically relevant NGOs, as well as of youth organisations and communities, to assist it in implementing the European Year at Union level.

Amendment 108 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1

The Commission shall convene regular meetings of stakeholders and representatives of organisations or bodies active in the field of rail transport, including existing transnational networks and relevant ~~NGOs, as well as of~~ youth organisations and communities, to assist it in implementing the European Year at Union level.

Amendment 109 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 7 – paragraph 1

By 31 December 2022, the Commission shall submit a report to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the implementation, results and overall assessment of the initiatives provided for in this Decision and on conformity with Article 91(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, stipulating that due account will be taken of cases where application would have a serious impact on the standard of living and level of employment in certain regions, and the operation of transport facilities.

Amendment 11 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 4

(4) In line with the objectives set out in the Commission Communication on the European Green Deal, there is a need to transform the Union economy and to rethink policies, in particular in the field of transport and mobility, which implies accelerating the shift to sustainable and smart mobility. Transport accounts for a quarter of the Union’s greenhouse gas emissions, and still growing. To achieve climate neutrality, a 90 % reduction in transport emissions is needed by 2050. Achieving sustainable transport means putting users first and providing them with ~~more affordable, accessible, healthier and cleaner alternatives to their current mobility habit~~alternatives so they can opt for those which they feel best suit their objectives. The European Green Deal implies to accelerate the shift to sustainable and smart mobility to address these challenges. ~~In particular, a substantial part of the 75% of inland freight carried today by road should be shifted onto rail and inland waterways.~~

Amendment 12 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 4

(4) In line with the objectives set out in the Commission Communication on the European Green Deal, there is a need to transform the Union economy and to rethink policies, in particular in the field of transport and mobility, which implies accelerating the shift to sustainable and smart mobility. Transport accounts for a quarter of the Union’s greenhouse gas emissions, and still growing. To achieve climate neutrality, a 90 % reduction in transport emissions is needed by 2050. Achieving sustainable transport means putting users first and providing them with more affordable, universally accessible, healthier and cleaner alternatives to their current mobility habits. The European Green Deal implies to accelerate the shift to sustainable and smart mobility to address these challenges. In particular, a substantial part of the 75 % of inland freight carried today by road should shift onto rail and inland waterways, and intermodal solutions should be encouraged.

Amendment 13 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 4

(4) ~~In line with the objectives set out in the Commission Communication on the European Green Deal, t~~There is a need to transform the Union economy and to rethink policies, in particular in the field of transport and mobility, which implies accelerating the shift to sustainable and smart mobility. Transport accounts for a quarter of the Union’s greenhouse gas emissions, and still growing. To achieve climate neutrality, ~~a 90% reduction in~~ transport emissions ~~is needed by 2050~~must be reduced. Achieving sustainable transport means putting users first and providing them with more affordable, accessible, healthier and cleaner alternatives to their current mobility habits. The European Green Deal implies to accelerate the shift to sustainable and smart mobility to address these challenges. In particular, a substantial part of the 75% of inland freight carried today by road should shift onto rail and inland waterways, a process to be encouraged by improvements to the logistical efficiency of networks and the introduction of incentives for operators in the sector.

Amendment 14 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 4 a (new)

(4a) Partnerships between R&D, industry, Member States and their regions are important to support research and innovation on transport, including batteries, clean hydrogen, low-carbon steel making, circular bio-based sectors and the built environment.

Amendment 15 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 5

(5) Rail has a significant role to play as a game changer to achieve the climate neutrality objective by 2050. It is one of the most environmentally friendly and energy-efficient transport modes. Rail is largely electrified and emits far less CO2 than equivalent travel by road or air, and is the only mode that has consistently reduced its greenhouse gas emissions and CO2 emissions since 1990. In addition, rail has decreased its energy consumption between 1990-201618 and increasingly uses renewable energy sources. This trend should therefore be supported, in particular through the promotion of green energies and, in particular, green hydrogen. __________________ 18DG MOVE Statistical Pocketbook 2019 “EU transport in figures” (source: Eurostat)

Amendment 16 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 5

(5) Rail has a significant role to play as a game changer to achieve the climate neutrality objective by 20540. It is one of the most environmentally friendly and energy-efficient transport modes. Rail is largely electrified and emits far less CO2 than equivalent travel by road or air, and is the only mode that has consistently reduced its greenhouse gas emissions and CO2 emissions since 1990. In addition, rail has decreased its energy consumption between 1990-201618 and increasingly uses renewable energy sources. __________________ 18DG MOVE Statistical Pocketbook 2019 “EU transport in figures” (source: Eurostat)

Amendment 17 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 5 a (new)

(5a) Cross-border rail passenger and freight transport is still facing severe challenges that require coordination and collaboration between the Union, the Member States, regional and local authorities. Macro-regional strategies play a key part in achieving the objectives of raising awareness, improving the dialogue and finding solutions in a defined geographical area between actors operating in the cross-border rail passenger and freight transport sector.

Amendment 18 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 5 a (new)

(5a) The growing use of renewable energy sources in the rail sector must be accompanied with a strategy for this just transition that takes into account the need for a high quality, affordable and accessible transport connectivity, as well as the protection of worker’s rights.

Amendment 19 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6

(6) By connecting the Union’s main transport routes with its ~~perip~~territories, including at regional and local level, the rail ~~regions and territories, the rail~~ sector contributes to social, economic and territorial cohesion. The creation of a functional rail network covering the whole of Europe can be an opportunity to enhance political cohesion at a time when the EU, in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, needs specific objectives and measures that foster the development of collective, shared and integrated mobility. The European Year of Rail should also be an opportunity to promote awareness of the capacity of the rail sector to prevent local communities, mountain and coastal regions and border areas from becoming isolated and foster greater integration with urban and regional areas, protecting the environment and promoting social inclusion.

Amendment 2 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 1

(1) In its Communication of 11 December 201915 , the Commission set out a European Green Deal for the European Union and its citizens. The European Green Deal is a new ~~growth~~integrated strategy that respects the planetary boundaries and aims to transform the Union into a fair and prosperous society, with a ~~modern~~resilient, resource-efficient and competitive economy where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use. __________________ 15Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 11 December 2019 on the European Green Deal (COM/2019/640 final)

Amendment 20 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6

(6) By connecting the ~~Union’s~~ main transport routes of the Union with its peripheral regions and territories, the railway sector contributes to social, economic and territorial cohesion and acts as a communication backbone that helps to retain the population in rural areas of the EU where rail is the main means of public transport, hence ensuring development and mobility in those areas.

Amendment 21 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6

(6) By connecting the Union’s main transport routes with its peripheral regions and territories, the rail sector contributes to social, economic and territorial cohesion. In accordance with Article 91(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, this social, economic and territorial cohesion must not be achieved to the detriment of the standard of living, the level of employment or the operation of transport facilities.

Amendment 22 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6

(6) By connecting the Union’s main transport routes with its peripheral regions and territories and by filling missing cross- border links, the rail sector contributes to social, economic and territorial cohesion. It is also important to maintain or revitalise the capillary network, in particular in rural areas, so that no one is left behind.

Amendment 23 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6

(6) By connecting the Union’s main and secondary transport routes with its peripheral regions and territories, the rail sector contributes to social, economic and territorial cohesion.

Amendment 24 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6

(6) By connecting the Union’s main transport routes with its peripheral regions and rural territories, the rail sector contributes to social, economic and territorial cohesion.

Amendment 25 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6 a (new)

(6a) The rail network is a key resource from the perspective of the sustainable tourism model promoted in the Green Deal. In this respect, rail constitutes an essential means of transport for rural and remote areas of the EU, enabling them to retain their population, facilitating the connectivity of population centres and attracting that sustainable tourism model. However, in some rural areas rail services and the conventional rail network have gradually deteriorated, with uncertainty over services, infrastructure in poor repair, insufficient investment and maintenance and, in some cases, the gradual closing-down of stations. At times, this deterioration, lack of renewal and gradual dismantling of the network has isolated communities and hampered mobility and economic development in those areas, resulting in inequalities.

Amendment 26 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6 a (new)

(6a) Night trains should be established or re-established throughout the European Union; this service is a fast and environmentally friendly way of connecting major cities within the EU;

Amendment 27 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6 b (new)

(6b) In urban areas of the EU, the introduction or re-introduction of light rail systems, such as tramways, and corresponding urban nodes, should be stimulated as part of the European Year of Rail;

Amendment 28 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7

(7) While the share of passenger rail in the Union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007, the share of freight has decreased. Many obstacles remain to achieve a true Single European Rail Area, including in respect of the need to minimise noise. Overcoming these obstacles together with cost reduction and accelerated innovation will allow rail to realise its full potential. Rail therefore needs a further boost to become more attractive to travellers and businesses alike. There is also a need for a clear commitment to boost plans for improving and restoring connections and for completing missing links, and to renew, electrify and modernise rolling stock, especially in areas where the railway network is gradually deteriorating and being dismantled, impacting seriously on mobility and freight transport in those areas.

Amendment 29 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7

(7) While the share of passenger rail in the Union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007, the share of freight has decreased. To achieve the modal shift objectives outlined in the Commission’s 2011 White Paper on Transport, the competition between road and rail freight transport must be balanced, fully taking into account the external costs of transport in order to achieve the objectives of the European Green Deal. Many obstacles remain to achieve a true Single European Rail Area, including in respect of the need to minimise noise. Overcoming these obstacles together with cost reduction and accelerated innovation will allow rail to realise its full potential. Rail therefore needs a further boost to become more attractive to travellers and businesses alike.

Amendment 3 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 1

(1) In its Communication of 11 December 201915, the Commission set out a European Green Deal for the European Union and its citizens. The European Green Deal is a new sustainable growth strategy that aims to transform the Union into a fair and prosperous society, with a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use. __________________ 15Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 11 December 2019 on the European Green Deal (COM/2019/640 final)

Amendment 30 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7

(7) While the share of passenger rail in the Union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007, the share of freight has decreased. Many obstacles remain to achieve a true Single European Rail Area~~, including in respect of the ne~~ which have a real and significant impact on the competitiveness and attractiveness of rail transport, including, among others, the level of charges for access to rail infrastructure, barriers to rolling stock being entered into ~~minimise noise~~service, the diversity of control systems and operating regulations. Overcoming these obstacles together with cost reduction and accelerated innovation will allow rail to realise its full potential. Rail therefore needs a further boost to become more attractive to travellers and businesses alike.

Amendment 31 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7

(7) While the share of passenger rail in the Union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007, the share of freight has decreased. The high cost of rail transport and the lack of simple connections and direct links has made rail services less attractive. Many obstacles remain to achieve a true Single European Rail Area, including in respect of the need to minimise noise. Overcoming these obstacles together with cost reduction and accelerated innovation will allow rail to realise its full potential. Rail therefore needs a further boost to become more attractive to travellers and businesses alike.

Amendment 32 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7

(7) While the share of passenger rail in the Union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007, the share of freight has decreased. ~~Many obstacles remain to achieve a true Single European Rail Area, including in respect of the need to minimise noise. Overcoming these obstacles~~Reducing noise together with cost reduction and accelerated innovation will allow rail to realise its full potential. Rail therefore needs a further boost to become more attractive to travellers and businesses alike.

Amendment 33 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7

(7) While the share of passenger rail in the Union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007, the share of freight has decreased. Many obstacles remain to achieve a true Single European Rail Area, including in respect of the need to minimise noise. Overcoming these obstacles together with cost reduction and accelerated innovation will allow rail to realise its full potential. Rail therefore needs a further boost to become more attractive ~~to travellers~~and more accessible to travellers, especially youth and citizens living in peripheral areas and rural territories, and businesses alike.

Amendment 34 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7

(7) While the share of passenger rail in the Union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007, the share of freight has decreased. Many obstacles remain to achieve a true Single European Rail Area, including in respect of the need to minimise noise. Overcoming these obstacles together with cost reduction and accelerated innovation and increased European support for intermodality will allow rail to realise its full potential. Rail therefore needs a further boost to become more attractive to travellers and businesses alike.

Amendment 35 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7

(7) While the share of passenger rail in the Union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007, the share of freight has decreased. Many obstacles remain to achieve a true Single European Rail Area, including in respect of the need to minimise noise. Overcoming these obstacles together with cost reduction and accelerated innovation will allow rail to realise its full potential. Rail therefore needs a further boost to become more attractive to travellers, workers and businesses alike.

Amendment 36 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7 a (new)

(7a) As the Union offers support for investment in railway infrastructure through its funds and instruments, it has a direct impact on the promotion of rail that should be fully exploited. Funding opportunities should be geared towards sustainable, intermodal and smart mobility with rail in the core of any mobility strategy or transport masterplan as pre-condition for EU funding.

Amendment 37 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7 a (new)

(7a) The rail sector is an important employer in the European Union; in order to reach its full potential, it needs to diversify its workforce and attract women and young workers in particular. It is essential to deliver optimal transport services to the benefit of users, with rail workers enjoying quality working conditions;

Amendment 38 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7 b (new)

(7b) The European Year of Rail represents an opportunity to raise the public awareness and the importance of sustainable, modern digitalised public transport in the framework of EU policies for cohesion, regional development, and sustainable urban development. Therefore, coherently with the central role of the rail sector within the Green Deal, electrification of the networks for passengers and freight should be taken on board within the framework of the thematic concentration of the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund in the next Multiannual Financial Framework.

Amendment 39 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7 c (new)

(7c) The European Year of Rail is an occasion to foster awareness concerning the capability of the rail sector to foster the integration of local communities, isolated, rural areas and poor regions with greater urban functional areas, while protecting the environment and promoting social inclusion. Consequently, it would be important to engage local, regional and national authorities in discussions on the multiannual planning, on rail infrastructure digitalization and modernization projects, and on the general improvement of public and private investments in regions and to encourage cross-border cooperation between local, regional and national authorities. Local economic development could greatly benefit from sustainable, modern and electrified rail services.

Amendment 4 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 1

(1) In its Communication of 11 December 201915, the Commission set out a European Green Deal for the European Union and its citizens. The European Green Deal is a new growth strategy that aims to transform the Union into a fair and prosperous society, with a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy with job creation and opportunities as its priority, where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 ~~and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use~~. __________________ 15Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 11 December 2019 on the European Green Deal (COM/2019/640 final)

Amendment 40 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 8

(8) In order to promote rail transport in line with the objectives set out in the Commission Communication on the European Green Deal, including with regard to sustainable and smart mobility, the year 2021 should be designated as European Year of Rail. 2021 will be an important year for the Union rail policy, it will be the first full year where the rules agreed under the Fourth Railway Package will be implemented throughout the Union, namely on the opening of the market of domestic passenger services and on reducing costs and administrative burden for railway undertakings operating across the Union. There is a growing public interest in railways, including in inter- regional and intra-regional connections and night trains, in a number of Member States, as also illustrated by the popularity of #DiscoverEU. Moreover, the international arts festival ‘Europalia’ will dedicate its 2021 edition to the influence of railways on the arts and highlight the role of rail as a powerful promotor of social, economic and industrial change.

Amendment 41 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 8

(8) In order to promote rail transport in line with the objectives set out in the Commission Communication on the European Green Deal, including with regard to sustainable, intermodal and smart mobility, the year 2021 should be designated as European Year of Rail. 2021 will be an important year for the Union rail policy, it will be the first full year where the rules agreed under the Fourth Railway Package will be implemented throughout the Union, namely on the opening of the market of domestic passenger services and on reducing costs and administrative burden for railway undertakings operating across the Union. There is a growing public interest in railways, including in night trains, in a number of Member States, as also illustrated by the popularity of #DiscoverEU. Moreover, the international arts festival ‘Europalia’ will dedicate its 2021 edition to the influence of railways on the arts and highlight the role of rail as a powerful promotor of social, economic and industrial change.

Amendment 42 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

The objective of the European Year shall be to encourage and support the efforts of the Union, the Member States, regional and local authorities, NGOs, and other public and private organisations to increase the share of passengers and freight moving by rail. In particular, the European Year shall

Amendment 43 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) promote rail as a sustainable, affordable, accessible, innovative and safe mode of transport, in particular by highlighting the role of rail as a game changer to help reaching the Union’s climate neutrality objective by 2050, in line the goals of the Paris Agreement, and by reaching out to the wider public, especially youth and citizens living in peripheral areas and rural territories;

Amendment 44 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) promote rail as a sustainable, innovative and safe mode of transport and ensure regional-level mobility, in particular by highlighting the role of rail as a game changer to help reaching the Union’s climate neutrality objective by 2050 and by reaching out to the wider public, especially youth;

Amendment 45 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) promote rail as a sustainable, innovative and safe mode of transport allowing for intermodal mobility patterns, in particular by highlighting the role of rail as a game changer to help reaching the Union’s climate neutrality objective by 20540 and by reaching out to the wider public, especially youth;

Amendment 46 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) promote rail as a sustainable, innovative ~~and safe~~, safe and unifying mode of transport, in particular by highlighting the role of rail as a game changer to help reaching the Union’s climate neutrality objective by 2050 and by reaching out to the wider public, especially youth;

Amendment 47 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)

(aa) highlight the urgent need for and importance of electrified transport over long and short distances and the need to improve the accessibility of transport infrastructure and services for all passengers;

Amendment 48 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)

(aa) highlighting the positive role railways can play as a sustainable and safe mode during the COVID-19 pandemic and as investment opportunity for crisis recovery;

Amendment 49 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) highlight the European, cross- border dimension of rail, that brings citizens closer together, allows them to explore the Union in all its diversity, fosters cohesion and contributes to integrate the Union internal market; Particular attention and support must also be given to the regional and local dimension, including rural, mountain, island and border areas, where local rail networks and small stations address social and mobility needs, generating a high degree of added value which outweighs their poor economic performance. At regional level, emphasis must be placed on the importance of rail freight transport, which has proved crucial, for example, in the current health emergency, as a mode of transport which is fundamental to environmental sustainability and safety.

Amendment 5 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 1 a (new)

(1a) Whereas the changes that have occurred in European society as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the health and economic effects they are having, including potential impacts on the internal market relating to the free movement of goods and citizens, mean that attention should be paid to improving the communication links that have been disrupted during the pandemic along with potential after-effects.

Amendment 50 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) highlight the European, cross- border dimension of rail, that plays a crucial role in the development of sustainable, regional and local tourism, brings citizens closer together, allows them to explore the Union in all its diversity, fosters cohesion and contributes to integrate the Union internal market;

Amendment 51 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) highlight the European, cross- border dimension of rail, that brings citizens closer together, allows them to explore the Union in all its diversity, fosters cohesion, brings rural and peripheral areas closer to other parts of the EU and contributes to integrate the Union internal market;

Amendment 52 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) highlight the European, cross- border dimension of rail, that brings citizens closer together, allows them to explore the Union in all its diversity, completes missing links, fosters cohesion and contributes to integrate the Union internal market;

Amendment 53 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) highlight the European, cross- border dimension of rail, that can brings citizens closer together, can allows them to explore the Union in all its diversity, can fosters cohesion and can contributes to integrate the Union internal market;

Amendment 54 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) highlight the European~~, cross- border~~ dimension of rail, that brings citizens closer together, allows them to explore ~~the Union~~European countries in all ~~its~~their diversity, fosters cohesion and contributes to integrate the Union internal market;

Amendment 55 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

(ba) Existing - unused - rail connectors between border regions should be reactivated and upgraded for either passenger or freight transport;

Amendment 56 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

(ba) gearing EU funding towards support for railway infrastructure, in particular missing regional cross-border links;

Amendment 57 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) enhance the contribution of rail to Union economy, industry and society, covering in particular aspects related to regional development, industrial competitiveness, sustainable tourism, innovation, employment, education, youth and culture, and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities without affecting the standard of living, the level of employment and the operation of transport facilities, in accordance with Article 91(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union;

Amendment 58 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) enhance the contribution of rail to Union economy, industry and society, covering in particular aspects related to regional development, in~~dustrial competitiveness~~cluding on a cross-border basis, the industrial transition, sustainable tourism, innovation, employment, education, youth and culture, ~~and~~ improving accessibility for ~~persons with disabilitie~~the elderly, the disadvantaged and persons with disabilities and enhancing mobility for huge numbers of commuters;

Amendment 59 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) enhance the contribution of rail to Union economy, industry and society, covering in particular aspects related to local, regional and cross-border development, industrial competitiveness, sustainable tourism, innovation, employment, education, youth and culture, and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities;

Amendment 6 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 2

(2) In its conclusions of 12 December 16 16 2019 , the European Council endorsed the objective of achieving a climate-neutral European Union by 2050, in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. __________________ 16 European Council conclusions of 12 December 2019

Amendment 60 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c

Amendment 61 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c

Amendment 62 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) enhance the contribution of rail to Union economy, industry and society, covering in particular aspects related to regional development, rural development, industrial competitiveness, sustainable tourism, innovation, employment, education, youth and culture, and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities;

Amendment 63 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) enhance the contribution of rail to Union economy, industry and society, covering in particular aspects related to regional and rural development, industrial competitiveness, sustainable tourism, innovation, employment, education, youth and culture, and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities;

Amendment 64 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)

(ca) raise awareness of the rail sector’s capacity to prevent local communities, coastal regions and remote regions from becoming more isolated, instead fostering their integration with more urban and regional areas;

Amendment 65 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)

(ca) industrial zones - in their planning or operation - should be connected or reconnected with rail in order to reduce road freight transport;

Amendment 66 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c b (new)

(cb) raise public awareness of the potential of the TEN-T to promote cohesion and foster industrial development and economic growth in regions which are not part of the key networks, where projects and investments should cover the provision of high-quality regional rail transport services and local connections between remote areas and larger urban pathways and ecosystems, in order to boost both modal shift and social cohesion at the same time;

Amendment 67 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) contributes to promoting railways as an important element of ~~the~~ relations between the Union and its neighbour~~ing countries, in particular in the Western Balkan~~s, building on the interest and needs in partner countries, such as those in the Western Balkans, Norway, the United Kingdom and Switzerland, and on the Union’s expertise in rail transport.

Amendment 68 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) contribute to promoting rail as an important element of the relations between the Union and neighbouring countries, in particular in the Western Balkans and the United Kingdom, building on the interest and needs in partner countries and on the Union’s expertise in rail transport.

Amendment 69 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) contribute to promoting rail as an important element of the relations between the Union and neighbouring countries, ~~in particular in the Western Balkans,~~ building on the interest and needs in partner countries and on the Union’s expertise in rail transport.

Amendment 7 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 3

(3) In its resolution of 15 January 202017 , the European Parliament welcomed the Commission’s communication on ‘The European Green Deal’ ~~and called for the necessary transition to a climate-neutral society by 2050 at the latest~~, underlying the urgent need for ambitious action to tackle climate change and environmental challenges, to limit global warming to 1.5C, to avoid massive loss of biodiversity and calling for the necessary transition to a climate-neutral society by 2050 at the latest. In its resolution, the European Parliament also called to increase the EU's ambition, increasing the domestic GHG emissions reduction target for 2030 to 55 % compared to 1990 levels. __________________ 17European Parliament resolution of 15 January 2020 on the European Green Deal (2019/2956(RSP))

Amendment 70 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)

(da) mobilise the European institutions and their agencies, railway undertakings, local authorities and authorities responsible for managing European funds with the aim of creating new railway projects, or promoting rail and intermodality, in the years following the European Year, in order to ensure that it has a long-term impact and bring it to fruition in the form of specific projects;

Amendment 71 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)

(da) contribute to promoting rail as a way of mobility and temporary movement of objects and equipment to allow cooperation and to facilitate ongoing cooperation between groups linked to culture and education, that the temporary mobility of people, objects and equipment is a good way to identify cooperation opportunities, as well as to share good practices and expertise;

Amendment 72 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) initiatives and events to promote debate, raise awareness and facilitate the engagement of citizens, businesses and public authorities~~' engagement to~~ in attracting more people and goods to rail as a means tof combating climate change, ~~through~~regional development and territorial exploration, using multiple channels and tools, including events in the Member States, at local, regional and national level, focusing in border areas on railway initiatives funded by the INTERREG programme and their intrinsically European nature, such as rail links, the development of multimodal hubs or the introduction of cross-border tickets and fares;

Amendment 73 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) initiatives and events to promote debate, raise awareness and facilitate citizens, businesses and public authorities' engagement to improve railway travel conditions and attract more people and goods to rail as a means to combat climate change, through multiple channels and tools, including events in Member States;

Amendment 74 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) initiatives and events to promote debate, raise awareness and facilitate citizens, businesses and public authorities' engagement to attract more resources, people and goods to rail as a means to combat climate change and improve personal mobility, through multiple channels and tools, including events in Member States;

Amendment 75 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)

(aa) The European Year of Rail must be an opportunity not only to hold large- scale national events in the major cities, but also to involve regional and local authorities in planning and designing projects to modernise and digitalise rail infrastructure. In particular, regions where tourism and local economic development could benefit greatly from sustainable, modern and electrified rail services must be involved.

Amendment 76 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)

(aa) opportunities to involve local and regional authorities in discussions on multiannual planning, plans to digitalise and modernise rail infrastructure and widespread improvements in public and private investment in regions where SMEs and local economic development could benefit greatly from sustainable, modern and electrified rail services;

Amendment 77 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) information, exhibitions, inspiration, education and awareness- raising campaigns to encourage changes in passenger, consumer and business behaviour and to stimulate an active contribution of the general public to achieving the objectives of more sustainable ~~transport~~and accessible transport, while encouraging people actively to discover Europe;

Amendment 78 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) information, exhibitions, inspiration, vocational and social education and awareness- raising campaigns to encourage changes in passenger, consumer and business behaviour and to stimulate an active contribution of the general public to achieving the objectives of more sustainable, innovative and safe transport;

Amendment 79 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) information, exhibitions, inspiration, education and awareness- raising campaigns to encourage changes in passenger, consumer and business behaviour, by involving the railway industry, and to stimulate an active contribution of the general public to achieving the objectives of more sustainable transport;

Amendment 8 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 3

(3) In its resolution of 15 January 17 2020 , the European Parliament welcomed the Commission’s communication on ‘The European Green Deal’ and called for the necessary transition to a climate-neutral society by 2050 ~~at the latest~~. __________________ 17European Parliament resolution of 15 January 2020 on the European Green Deal (2019/2956(RSP))

Amendment 80 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) sharing experience and good practices of national, regional and local authorities, civil society, business and schools on promoting the use of rail and on how to implement behavioural change at all levels, and sharing practical, human solutions regarding optimum accessibility for persons with disabilities and the elderly;

Amendment 81 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) sharing experience and good practices of national, regional and local authorities, civil society, business, trade unions and schools on promoting the use of rail and on how to implement behavioural change at all levels;

Amendment 82 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) sharing experience and good practices of national, regional and local authorities, civil society, NGOs, business and schools on promoting the use of rail and on how to implement behavioural change at all levels;

Amendment 83 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)

(ca) showcasing EU financial support to railway projects, in particular missing cross-border links, de-centralised approaches and regional connectivity;

Amendment 84 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)

(ca) large-scale promotion of the principles of safety culture among rail transport users and employees

Amendment 85 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) the undertaking of studies and innovative activities and the dissemination of their results on a European or national ~~scale; and~~ and regional scale, with some of these studies to focus on European sources of funding and synergies between them in projects dealing with rail lines, in particular cross-border lines;

Amendment 86 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) the undertaking of studies and innovative activities and the dissemination of their results on a European or, national ~~scale~~and regional scale including on a European rail motorways network; and

Amendment 87 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) the undertaking of studies and innovative activities and the dissemination of their results on a European ~~or nat~~, national and regional scale; ~~and~~

Amendment 88 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)

(da) identification of key projects and measures and promotion at different levels that can help reach the objectives in the long term, such as a European joint effort to encourage investment in rail motorways, terminals and rolling stock as an optimised modal shift option that will contribute to regional cohesion and decarbonisation of freight transport;

Amendment 89 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)

(da) the undertaking of studies on the use of green energy for rail infrastructure, and campaigns to promote green solutions which have already been adopted;

Amendment 9 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 4

(4) In line with the objectives set out in the Commission Communication on the European Green Deal, there is a need to transform the Union economy and to rethink policies, in particular in the field of transport and mobility, which implies accelerating the shift to sustainable and smart mobility. Transport accounts for a quarter of the Union’s greenhouse gas emissions, and still growing. To achieve climate neutrality, a 90 % reduction in transport emissions is needed by 2050. Achieving sustainable transport means putting users first and providing them with more affordable, accessible, healthier and cleaner alternatives to their current mobility habits. The European Green Deal implies to accelerate the shift to sustainable and smart mobility to address these challenges. In particular, a substantial part of the 75 % of inland freight carried today by road should shift onto rail and inland waterways. In accordance with Article 91(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, particular attention should be paid to the economic and social consequences of the reforms undertaken; in accordance with that article, the adverse consequences of these reforms for railway infrastructure should also be examined.

Amendment 90 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e

(e) the promotion of interactive communication on projects and networks related to the European Year, including via the media, social networks and other on- line communities.

Amendment 91 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)

(ea) regional-level studies and surveys to assess citizens’ needs with regard to rail transport.

Amendment 92 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)

(ea) promotion of freight transport by rail and protection of intermediate or local lines against closures.

Amendment 93 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)

(ea) organise events to promote the historical and cultural heritage of the railways;

Amendment 94 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)

(ea) campaigns to re-establish trust of citizens to use rail public passenger transport;

Amendment 95 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e b (new)

(eb) campaigns to diversify the railway sector workforce, by attracting women and young workers in particular;

Amendment 96 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 2

2. The Union institutions and bodies, as well as the Member States, at Union and national level respectively, ~~may~~shall refer to the European Year and make use of its visual identity in promoting the activities referred to in paragraph 1, and the Commission shall ensure that at all stages of promotion due reference is made to European Union support for the projects and initiatives funded as part of the European Year.

Amendment 97 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 2

2. The Union institutions and bodies, as well as the Member States, at Union and national level respectively, ~~may~~are encouraged to refer to the European Year and make use of its visual identity in promoting the activities referred to in paragraph 1.

Amendment 98 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 4 – paragraph 1

The organisation of participation in the European Year at national level is a responsibility of the Member States. To that end, Member States shall appoint national coordinators~~. The national coordinators~~ and, in case of need, regional and local sub-coordinators. The national coordinators, in accordance with the sub-coordinators, in case one or more are appointed, shall ensure the coordination of relevant activities at national level.

Amendment 99 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 4 – paragraph 1

The organisation of participation in the European Year at national level is a responsibility of the Member States. To that end, Member States shall appoint national coordinators. The national coordinators shall ensure the coordination of relevant activities at national level agreed with regional and local authorities.

source: 652.573

2020/06/17 CULT 79 amendments...

Amendment 100 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2

The Commission ~~may, budget allowing,~~shall have at its disposal a sufficient budget to organise calls for proposals and projects that can receive support for their outstanding contribution to the objectives of the year and coordinate Member State initiatives. The budget allocated for the entire year, for preparations, for communication, and for monitoring the results, shall be based on the example of the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018, i.e. EUR X million.

Amendment 101 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2

The Commission may~~, budget allowing,~~ organise calls for proposals and projects that can receive support for their outstanding contribution to the objectives of the year.;

Amendment 102 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 6 – paragraph 1

For the purpose of the European Year, where necessary, the Commission shall cooperate with ~~compete~~the relevant international organisations and the relevant authorities in neighbouring countries, while ensuring the visibility of the Union'’s participation.

Amendment 103 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 6 – paragraph 1 a (new)

The European Year will promote the use of railways by Erasmus+ participants from third countries to reach destinations as part of Erasmus+ mobility actions and different Erasmus+ projects that require international travel;

Amendment 104 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 7 – paragraph 1

Amendment 26 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 1

(1) In its Communication of 11 December 201915, the Commission set out a European Green Deal for the European Union and its citizens. The European Green Deal is a new sustainable growth strategy that aims to transform the Union into a fair and prosperous society, with a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use. _________________ 15Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 11 December 2019 on the European Green Deal (COM/2019/640 final)

Amendment 27 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 3 a (new)

(3 a) Erasmus+, the umbrella EU programme for mobility, education, youth and sport, is one of the most well-known and popular European programmes. Since the EU is making efforts to make Erasmus+ "greener" and mobility is at the core of this programme, synergies with Erasmus+ should play a central role in the European Year of Rail. Rail travel can be used for activities inside the Erasmus+ programme, including, notably for DiscoverEU, for reaching destinations of meetings for projects, conferences and long, medium and short term individual and group mobility destinations;

Amendment 28 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 3 b (new)

(3 b) The DiscoverEU initiative has the potential to foster inter-cultural exchanges between young Europeans and enable young people to gain new skills, among them transversal skills, so-called "soft" skills, communication skills, problem-solving skills, and skills linked to budget organisation, team work and planning;

Amendment 29 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 4

(4) In line with the objectives set out in the Commission Communication on the European Green Deal, there is a need to transform the Union economy and to rethink policies, in particular in the field of transport and mobility, which implies accelerating the shift to sustainable, zero emissions and smart mobility. In this way, the EU paves the ecological pathway that should safeguard social rights and improves the lives of all Union citizens. Transport accounts for a quarter of the Union’s greenhouse gas emissions, and still growing. To achieve climate neutrality, a 90% reduction in transport emissions is needed by 2050. Achieving sustainable transport means putting users first and providing them with more affordable, accessible, healthier and cleaner alternatives to their current mobility habits. The European Green Deal implies to accelerate the shift to sustainable and smart mobility to address these challenges. In particular, a substantial part of the 75% of inland freight carried today by road should shift onto rail and inland waterways.;

Amendment 30 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 4

(4) In line with the objectives set out in the Commission Communication on the European Green Deal, there is a need to transform the Union economy and to rethink policies, in particular in the field of transport and mobility, which implies accelerating the shift to sustainable and smart mobility. Transport accounts for a quarter of the Union’s greenhouse gas emissions, and still growing. To achieve climate neutrality, a 90% reduction in transport emissions is needed by 2050. Achieving sustainable transport means putting users first and providing them with more affordable, accessible, healthier and cleaner alternatives to their current mobility habits. T~~he European Green Deal implies to accelerate the shift to sustainable and smart mobility to address these challenges. In particular, a~~o address these challenges, the European Green Deal must provide for a shift to a form of mobility that is scaled down, relocated and smarter. A substantial part of the 75% of inland freight carried today by road should also shift onto rail and inland waterways.

Amendment 31 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 4

(4) In line with the objectives set out in the Commission Communication on the European Green Deal, there is a need to transform the Union economy and to rethink policies, in particular in the field of transport and mobility, which implies accelerating the shift to sustainable and smart mobility. Transport accounts for a quarter of the Union’s greenhouse gas emissions, and still growing. To achieve climate neutrality, a 90% reduction in transport emissions is needed by 2050. Achieving sustainable transport means putting users first and providing them with more affordable, universally accessible, healthier and cleaner alternatives to their current mobility habits. The European Green Deal implies to accelerate the shift to sustainable and smart mobility to address these challenges. In particular, a substantial part of the 75% of inland freight carried today by road should shift onto rail and inland waterways.

Amendment 32 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 5

(5) Rail has a significant role to play as a game changer to achieve the climate neutrality objective by 2050. It is one of the most environmentally friendly and energy-efficient transport modes. Rail is largely electrified and emits just 0,5% of the total greenhouse gas emission from transport18a, far less ~~CO2~~ than equivalent travel by road or air, and is the only mode that has consistently reduced its greenhouse gas emissions and CO2 emissions since 1990. In addition, rail has decreased its energy consumption between 1990-201618 and increasingly uses renewable energy sources.; _________________ 18DG MOVE Statistical Pocketbook 2019 “EU transport in figures” (source: Eurostat); 18a EC Press Corner ”2021: The European Year of Rail” (source: Eurostat, EU28 - 2017)

Amendment 33 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 5

(5) RMobility is one of the key pillars of the European Green Deal and rail has a significant role to play as a game changer to achieve the climate neutrality objective by 2050. It is one of the most environmentally friendly and energy- efficient transport modes. Rail is largely electrified and emits far less CO2 than equivalent travel by road or air, and is the only mode that has consistently reduced its greenhouse gas emissions and CO2 emissions since 1990. In addition, rail has decreased its energy consumption between 1990-201618 and increasingly uses renewable energy sources.; _________________ 18DG MOVE Statistical Pocketbook 2019 “EU transport in figures” (source: Eurostat)

Amendment 34 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 5 a (new)

(5 a) By encouraging investments in the most advanced and attractive forms of railway infrastructure and trains, such as high-speed trains, the EU, Member States, and local and regional authorities could speed up the economic recovery after the COVID-19 crisis and at the same time make railway transport truly useful for the citizens in their daily life, for example for a speedy commute to their place of work and for tourists to reach cultural and other sites of interest more quickly;

Amendment 35 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6

(6) By connecting the Union’s main and secondary transport routes with most of its peripheral regions and territories, the rail sector contributes to social, economic and territorial cohesion while enabling the people of Europe to discover their continent and fostering cultural exchanges.

Amendment 36 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6

(6) By connecting the Union’s main transport routes with its peripheral regions and territories, the rail sector contributes to social, economic and territorial cohesion. However, in many circumstnaces, connections are absent or the necessary infrastructure is not present;

Amendment 37 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6 a (new)

(6 a) Some existing railway lines need to be extended to reach specific places of interest, for example cultural, tourist or sports sites. In the interim, while these places of interest are not yet connected to the railway system, replacing the missing connections by other means of transport should be encouraged, for example with frequent shuttle busses between the nearest train station and these specific places of interest. In this way, the existing railway lines would be immediately more useful to citizens;

Amendment 38 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7

(7) While the share of passenger rail in the Union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007, the share of freight has decreased. Many obstacles remain to achieve a true Single European Rail Area~~, including in respect of the ne~~ which have a real and significant impact on the competitiveness and attractiveness of rail transport, including the level of charges for access to rail infrastructure, barriers to rolling stock being entered into ~~minimise noise~~service, the diversity of control systems and operating regulations. Overcoming these obstacles together with cost reduction and accelerated innovation will allow rail to realise its full potential. Rail therefore needs a further boost to become more attractive to travellers and businesses alike.

Amendment 39 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7

(7) While the share of passenger rail in the Union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007, the share of freight has decreased. Many obstacles remain to achieve a true Single European Rail Area, including in respect of the need to minimise noise. Overcoming these obstacles together with cost reduction and accelerated innovation will allow rail to realise its full potential. Rail therefore needs a further boost to become more attractive to travellers and businesses alike. The Union should promote policies that are more inclusive, accessible to people with disabilities and appealing to young people;

Amendment 40 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7

(7) While the share of passenger rail in the Union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007, the share of freight has decreased. Many obstacles remain to achieve a true Single European Rail Area, including in respect of the need to minimise noise. Overcoming these obstacles together with cost reduction and accelerated innovation will allow rail to realise its full potential. Rail therefore needs a further boost to become more attractive to travellers, especially young people, and businesses alike.

Amendment 41 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7 a (new)

(7a) Although railway stations are primarily places where passengers arrive and depart from, they increasingly have a double objective: they are becoming platforms for information campaigns and educational, cultural and social projects, making them more attractive to passengers and thereby promoting local communities.

Amendment 42 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 8 a (new)

(8a) As the Union offers support for investment in railway infrastructure through its funds and programmes, it has a direct impact on the promotion of rail that should be fully exploited. A ‘rail renaissance’ will need additional funding which should be focused in particular on the (re-)establishment of missing cross- border and regional rail links, on the maintenance and modernisation of existing lines and infrastructure, and on the reactivation of disused lines where passengers and freight can be moved by rail; new ideas on the best use of rolling stock could be put into practice throughout the EU so as to make it easier, for example, to reinstate night-train services. Substantial amounts of funding and increased rates of co-funding are vital and should be geared towards sustainable, intermodal and smart mobility, with rail at the heart of any EU mobility strategy and constituting a precondition for funding. The Commission should see to it that, in the planning and implementation of the EU budget for 2021-2027, sufficient funding is allocated to bring about this ‘renaissance’.

Amendment 43 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 8 a (new)

(8 a) The European Commission work programme for 2020 as well as many other EU documents emphasise two key elements for a prosperous and sustainable future of Europe: the green transition and the digital transition. Provided that solid investment in good Wi-Fi networks on all European trains is secured, railway transport can contribute significantly to both of these elements. The time spent on the train with a good Wi-Fi network can also be well used, among other things, for educational purposes since many Europeans spend substantial time on trains while commuting, weather young people going to school or adults commuting to work;

Amendment 44 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 8 a (new)

(8 a) The EU programmes and projects aimed at promoting transnational and transregional mobility, especially in the area of education, training, the labour market, culture and tourism, such as Erasmus+, Creative Europe or the European Solidarity Corps, should, whenever possible, prioritise rail as the chosen means of transport;

Amendment 45 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 8 b (new)

(8 b) Railways can play an important role in encouraging a healthy lifestyle among young and adult Europeans in different ways. They can, for example, encourage more frequent walking and more frequent use of bicycles in daily life, provided that railways authorise bicycles on trains. Walking and cycling can be used for transport from home to the train station and from the train station to one's place of work or school. Both are equivalent to light sports exercise and allow people to avoid using cars, avoid the stress connected to traffic jams and decrease the inhalation of polluted air (data shows that concentration of pollution inside the car is even higher than outside, on the road). Data shows that stress among Europeans is constantly increasing. Promotion of the use of trains during the European Year could help counter these trends. Well- being programmes could be available on board trains. The commuting time spent on train in itself can also simply represent time away from daily stress;

Amendment 46 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 8 c (new)

(8 c) Train travel can increase the safety of young Europeans, many of whom still use questionable means of transport, such as hitchhiking for commuting to high schoo, for travelling to more distant smaller cities and villages or for reaching destinations for leisure activities;

Amendment 47 #

Proposal for a decision
Article premier – paragraph 1

The year 2021 shall be designated as the ‘European Year of Rail’ (hereinafter referred to as the ‘European Year’) and shall support the development of railways as the sustainable linchpin of the EU’s mobility policy.

Amendment 48 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

The objective of the European Year shall be to encourage and support the efforts of the Union, the Member States, regional and local authorities, and other organisations to increase the share of passengers and freight moving by rail by comparison with other, more polluting modes of transport. In particular, the European Year shall:

Amendment 49 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

The objective of the European Year shall be to encourage and support the efforts of the Union, the Member States, regional and local authorities, a~~nd other organisation~~s well as other relevant stakeholders to increase the share of passengers and freight moving by rail. In particular, the European Year shall;

Amendment 50 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) promote rail as a sustainable, affordable, innovative and safe mode of transport, in particular by highlighting the role of rail as a game changer to help reaching the Union’s climate neutrality objective by 2050 and comply with the Paris Agreement, and by reaching out to the wider public, especially youth; highlights the need for public financial support to cross-border rail services across the EU, especially after the COVID-19 crisis, which are an alternative to short and medium distance flights;

Amendment 51 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) promote rail as a sustainable, innovative and safe mode of transport, in particular by highlighting the role of rail as a game -changer to help reachingeve the Union’s climate -neutrality objective by 2050 and by reaching out to the wider public, especially youthng people, including participants in the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes, for whom mobility is a crucial part of their European experience, and whose involvement in the programmes can bring about a change in their habits;

Amendment 52 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) promote rail as a sustainable, innovative and safe mode of transport, in particular by highlighting the role of rail as a game changer to help reaching the Union’s climate neutrality objective by 2050 and by reaching out to the wider public, especially to youth and seniors;

Amendment 53 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)

(a a) promote the use of rail travel whenever possible for activities inside the Erasmus+ programme;

Amendment 54 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) highlight the European, cross- border dimension of rail, ~~that~~which brings citizens closer together, allows them to explore the Union in all its diversity, fosters cohesion and contributes to the integrateion of the Union’s internal market, while also highlighting the disparities in rail infrastructure that exist among European countries, meaning that there are serious inequalities at play with regard to the mobility of the European public;

Amendment 55 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) highlight the European, cross- border dimension of rail, ~~that~~which brings citizens closer together, and allows them to explore the ~~Union in all its diversity, fosters cohes~~European nations and ~~contributes to integrate the Union internal market~~regions in all their diversity;

Amendment 56 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

(b a) promote train travel and encourage efforts to make it more accessible and more attractive to young people;

Amendment 57 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) enhance the contribution of rail to Union economy, industry and society, covering in particular aspects related to regional development, cross-border cohesion, industrial competitiveness, the silver economy, sustainable tourism, innovation, employment, education, youth and culture, and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities;

Amendment 58 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) enhance the contribution of rail to ~~Union economy, industry and society~~the society and economy of the Union, covering in particular aspects related to regional development, sustainable tourism, industrial competitiveness, ~~sustainable tourism,~~ innovation, employment, education, youth and culture, ~~and~~focusing in particular on improving accessibility for persons with disabilities and reduced mobility;

Amendment 59 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) enhance the contribution of rail to Union economy, industry and society, covering in particular aspects related to regional development, industrial competitiveness, sustainable tourism, innovation, employment, education, youth ~~and cultur~~, culture and industrial cultural heritage, and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities;

Amendment 60 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)

(ca) address the issue of the environmental impact of tourism-related transport and raise public awareness of the need for sustainable tourism by highlighting heritage and cultural tourism, following up on the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018;

Amendment 61 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)

(c a) develop an up-dated rail network development plan designed to integrate the entire Union, with access to the latest technologies in the field, to ensure equal opportunities and fair mobility access for everyone, especially within the EU programmes and initiatives, such as Erasmus+;

Amendment 62 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)

(ca) promote rail as a preferred, accessible mode of transport for participants in EU mobility, youth and culture programmes;

Amendment 63 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c b (new)

(c b) develop new mobility opportunities though rail networks and make them more accessible, including with special incentives, for people from disadvantaged backgrounds, rural areas or isolated regions;

Amendment 64 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) ~~contribute to promoting rail as an important element of the relations between the Union~~ stress the European, cross-border dimension of rail, and the need to change the patchwork of national rail networks in the EU into a genuine Europeand ne~~ighbou~~twork that brings c~~ountries, in particular in the Western Balkans, building on the interest and needs in partner~~itizens closer together, allows them to explore the Union in all its diversity, fosters cohesion and countri~~es and~~butes to the integration onf the Union’s ~~expertise in rail transport.~~internal market; promote, in particular, the advantages of rail options where they can replace mid-distance flights;

Amendment 65 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) contribute to promoting rail ~~as an important element of the relations between the Union and neighbouring countries, in particular in the Western Balkans,~~ building on the interest and needs in partner countries and on the Union’s expertise in rail transport.

Amendment 66 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)

(d a) promotion of the DiscoverEU initiative, which almost entirely depends on train services;

Amendment 67 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

1. The measures to be taken to achieve the objectives set out in Article 2 shall include the following activities at Union, national, regional or local level, and with a clear focus on civil society, linked to the objectives of the European Year:;

Amendment 68 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) initiatives and events to promote debate, raise awareness and facilitate citizens, , including young people's, students' and people with disabilities', businesses and public authorities' engagement to attract more people and goods to rail as a means to combat climate change, foster cultural exchange and sustainable travel and tourism, through multiple channels and tools, including events in Member States;

Amendment 69 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) initiatives a~~nd events to~~imed at promoteing debate, raiseing awareness and ~~facilitate citizens, businesses and public authorities' engagement~~incentivising the engagement of public authorities, businesses and other relevant stakeholders to attract more people and goods to rail as a means to combat climate change, through multiple channels and tools, including events in Member States;

Amendment 70 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) initiatives and events to promote debate, raise awareness and facilitate citizens, businesses and public authorities' engagement to attract more people and goods to rail as a means to combat climate change, ~~through multiple channels and tools, including events in Member State~~promoting mobility that involves shorter journeys;

Amendment 71 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)

(a a) promotion of sport events at locations that are accessible by train;

Amendment 72 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a b (new)

(a b) promotion and encouragement of train services that permit taking bicycles on board to visit tourist attractions at specific destinations;

Amendment 73 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) information, ~~exhibitions, inspiration,~~ education and awareness- raising campaigns to, as well as exhibitions and festivals, to inspire people and encourage changes in passenger, consumer and business behaviour and to stimulate an active contribution of the general public to achieving the objectives of more sustainable ~~transport~~and accessible transport, while encouraging people actively to discover Europe, but also to discover Europe’s railway heritage, which is part of Europe’s industrial history;

Amendment 74 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) information, campaigns on the current state and history of rail transport and its contribution to Europe's industrial heritage; exhibitions, inspiration, education and awareness- raising campaigns to encourage changes in passenger, consumer and business behaviour and to stimulate an active contribution of the general public to achieving the objectives of more sustainable transport;

Amendment 75 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b

Amendment 76 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) information, ~~exhibitions, inspiration,~~ education and awareness- raising campaigns to inspire and encourage changes in passenger, consumer and business behaviour and to stimulate an active contribution of the general public to achieving the objectives of more sustainable transport;

Amendment 77 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

(b a) exchanges of views on national experiences with school curricula adaptations to learn about the historical and technical aspects of railways, the importance of railways for a cleaner environment and interdisciplinary and cross-curricula approaches to railways;

Amendment 78 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b b (new)

(b b) exchanges of experiences at national level to promote school trips by rail, for one day or longer;

Amendment 79 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) sharing experience and good practices of national, regional and local authorities, civil society, business and schools on promoting the use of rail and on how to implement behavioural change at all levels, as well as sharing practical, human solutions regarding optimum accessibility for persons with disabilities and the elderly;

Amendment 80 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) sharing experience and good practices of national, regional and local authorities~~, civil society,~~ and other relevant stakeholders, including businesses and ~~schools~~educational facilities, on promoting the use of rail and on how to ~~implemen~~bring about behavioural change at all levels;

Amendment 81 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) sharing experience and good practices of national, regional and local authorities, social partners, civil society, business, universities and schools on promoting the use of rail and on how to implement behavioural change at all levels;

Amendment 82 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) sharing experience and good practices of national, regional and local authorities, civil society, tourism operators, business and schools on promoting the use of rail and on how to implement behavioural change at all levels;

Amendment 83 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)

(ca) special attention and financial support must be provided to Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps projects relating to rail mobility and awareness- raising thereof, as well as to any cultural projects funded by Creative Europe in which trains are the location and mode of transport for events, or rail mobility is the subject of the project;

Amendment 84 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)

(ca) the development of links with European programmes that encourage mobility, such as Erasmus+, Creative Europe and the European Solidarity Corps, to encourage the use of rail transport to the greatest possible extent;

Amendment 85 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)

(c a) promote and contribute to awareness-raising about rail as a preferred environmentally, friendly and inter-modal travel option, conveniently allowing for links with sustainable modes of transport such as bicycling;

Amendment 86 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)

(c a) large-scale promotion of the principles of safety culture among rail transport users and employees;

Amendment 87 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) the undertaking of studies and innovative activities and the dissemination of their results on a European or, national and regional scale; and;

Amendment 88 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) the undertaking of studies and innovative activities and the dissemination of their results on a European ~~or nat~~, national and regional scale; ~~and~~

Amendment 89 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e

(e) the promotion of projects and networks related to the European Year, especially the Europalia festival, including via the media, social networks and other on-line communities, so as to reach a wide audience.

Amendment 90 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)

(ea) the establishment by the Commission of partnerships with European rail companies so that the participants of the Erasmus+, European Solidarity Corps and Creative Europe programmes can purchase train tickets at preferential rates, in particular building on the experience gained from the DiscoverEU project, and emphasising the passenger numbers that the participants in the programmes would represent for the rail companies;

Amendment 91 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)

(e a) sharing good practices regarding national initiatives for subsidised travel packages for "a day at" cultural sites, natural interest sites and other tourist sites;

Amendment 92 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 2

2. The Union institutions and bodies, 2. as well as the Member States, at Union and national level respectively, may refer to the European Year and make use of its visual identity into promot~~ing~~e the activities referred to in paragraph 1. More specifically, during the European Year, the Commission should promote the EU’s existing night-train network and encourage the use of the EU’s visual identity in cross-border night-train transport initiatives.

Amendment 93 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 2

2. The Union institutions and bodies, as well as the Member States, at Union and national level respectively, mayust refer to the European Year and make use of its visual identity in promoting the activities referred to in paragraph 1, and the Commission must ensure that at all stages of promotion due reference is made to European Union support for the projects and initiatives funded as part of the European Year.

Amendment 94 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 4 – paragraph 1

The organisation of participation in the European Year at national level is a responsibility of the Member States. To that end, Member States shall appoint national coordinators and provide them with the financial and human resources necessary to accomplish their tasks. The national coordinators shall ensure the coordination of relevant activities at national level and coordinate at European level. The national coordinators shall be selected on the basis of their proven commitment to the development of rail in Europe.

Amendment 95 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 4 – paragraph 1

TIn keeping with the principle of subsidiarity, the organisation of participation in the European Year at national level is a responsibility of the Member States. To that end, Member States shall appoint national coordinators. The national coordinators shall ensure the coordination of relevant activities at national level.

Amendment 96 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 1

1. The Commission shall regularly convene meetings of the national coordinators in order to coordinate the running of the European Year. Those meetings shall also serve as opportunities to exchange information and best practices regarding the implementation of the European Year at national and Union level; representatives of the European Parliament may participate in those meetings as observers.;

Amendment 97 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 1

1. The Commission shall regularly convene meetings of the national coordinators in order to coordinate the running of the European Year. Those meetings shall also serve as opportunities to exchange information regarding the implementation of the European Year at national and Union level; representatives of the European Parliament ~~may participate in~~shall be invited to those meetings as observers.

Amendment 98 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 2

2. The coordination of the European Year at Union level shall have a ~~transversal~~cross- cutting approach with a view to creating sustainable synergies between the various Union programmes and initiatives that fund projects in the field of rail transport or that have a rail dimension.

Amendment 99 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1

The Commission shall convene regular meetings of stakeholders and representatives of organisations or bodies active in the field of rail transport, including existing transnational networks and relevant NGOs, as well as of youth organisations ~~and communities~~, to assist it in implementing the European Year at Union level.

source: 653.797

2020/07/07 TRAN 158 amendments...

Amendment 100 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

The objective of the European Year shall be to encourage and support the efforts of the Union, the Member States, regional and local authorities, and other organisations to increase the share of passengers and freight moving by rail, and to require Member States to honour their commitments at EU level so as to give a definitive boost to rail transport. In particular, the European Year shall

Amendment 101 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) promote rail as a sustainable, innovative and safe mode of transport, ~~in particular by highlighting the role of rail as a game changer to help reaching the Union’s climate neutrality objective by 2050 and by reaching out to the wider public, especially youth~~highlighting the positive role railways can play as: - the backbone of an efficient and sustainable European logistic network, capable to guarantee essential services, even during an unexpected crisis; - a network that can sustain and boost the European tourism, confirming Europe as the first global destination for touristic flows;

Amendment 102 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) promote rail as a sustainable, innovative, resilient and safe mode of transport, in particular by highlighting the role of rail as a structuring element to promote socio-economic activity in territories, with particular importance in rural and depopulated areas, as well as its role as a game changer to help reaching the Union’s climate neutrality objective by 2050 and by reaching out to the wider public, especially youth;

Amendment 103 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) promote rail and public transport as a sustainable, innovative and safe mode of transport, in particular by highlighting the role of rail as a game changer to help reaching the Union’s climate neutrality objective by 2050 and by reaching out to the wider public, especially youth, also through providing an easily understood and consistently enforced system of passengers' rights;

Amendment 104 #

Ismail ERTUG, Andris AMERIKS, Isabel GARCÍA MUÑOZ, István UJHELYI, Vera TAX, Sara CERDAS, Marianne VIND, Inma RODRÍGUEZ-PIÑERO, Johan DANIELSSON

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) promote rail, including urban and suburban rail, as a sustainable, innovative and safe mode of transport, in particular by highlighting the role of rail and public transport as a game changer to help reaching the Union’s climate neutrality objective by 2050 and by reaching out to the wider public, especially youth;

Amendment 105 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a

Amendment 106 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) promote rail as a sustainable, intermodal, innovative and safe mode of transport, in particular by highlighting the role of rail as a game changer to help reaching the Union’s climate neutrality objective by 20540 and by reaching out to the wider public, especially youth;

Amendment 107 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) promote rail as a sustainable, innovative ~~and safe~~, safe and economical mode of transport, in particular by highlighting the role of rail as a game changer to help reaching the Union’s climate neutrality objective by 2050 and by reaching out to the wider public, especially youth;

Amendment 108 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)

(aa) strengthen the role of rail in the EU's forthcoming strategy on sustainable and smart mobility as a key element in promoting the collective transport of goods and passengers, multimodality and connection to logistics platforms;

Amendment 109 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)

(aa) strengthening efforts to construct the 9 core network corridors as the backbone of a modern European high- performance rail network by 2030.

Amendment 110 #

Marian-Jean MARINESCU

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) highlight the European, cross- border dimension of rail including the interoperability with other means of transportation like air transport (airports) and its added value in terms of connectivity with long-haul connections, peripheral regions, territories and islands , that brings citizens closer together, allows them to explore the Union in all its diversity, fosters cohesion and contributes to integrate the Union internal market;

Amendment 111 #

(b) highlight the European, cross- border dimension of rail, that brings citizens closer together, allows them to explore the Union in all its diversity, fosters socio-economic and territorial cohesion and contributes to integrate the Union internal market, paying particular attention to and ensuring connectivity in peripheral regions;

Amendment 112 #

Clare DALY, Mick WALLACE, Leila CHAIBI, Anne-Sophie PELLETIER

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) highlight the European, cross- border dimension of rail, that brings citizens closer together, allows them to explore the Union in all its diversity, fosters cohesion and contributes to integrate the Union internal market, whilst completing the cross-border projects that are essential to the implementation of the TEN-T core network;

Amendment 113 #

Ismail ERTUG, Andris AMERIKS, Isabel GARCÍA MUÑOZ, István UJHELYI, Vera TAX, Sara CERDAS, Marianne VIND, Inma RODRÍGUEZ-PIÑERO, Josianne CUTAJAR, Maria GRAPINI, Johan DANIELSSON

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) highlight the European, cross- border dimension of rail and its crucial role for sustainable tourism, that brings citizens closer together, allows them to explore the Union in all its diversity, fosters cohesion and contributes to integrate the Union internal market;

Amendment 114 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) ~~highlight th~~stress the need for an efficient and sustainable European, cross- border ~~dimension of rail, that brings citizens closer together, allows them to explore the Union in all its diversity, fost~~public transport service, accessible to all, which would allow citizens to have access to quality mobility at reasonable prices and promotes furthers cohesion and ~~contributes to~~ integrateion of the Union ~~internal market;~~

Amendment 115 #

Clare DALY, Mick WALLACE, Leila CHAIBI, Anne-Sophie PELLETIER

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

(ba) highlight that trains, railways stations and rail infrastructure as part of Europe's cultural heritage, deserves to be promoted and celebrated; that in the same light, railway workers unions, their struggles and commitments towards greater labour rights, social security, free time, have greatly contributed to Europe’s current social, labour and welfare standards.

Amendment 116 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

(ba) emphasis on the fact that rail should be thought of not only as an isolated solution for medium and long distances, but also - through the integration of public transport or other mobility providers - holistically as 'door- to-door transport' which is a basic requirement if it is genuinely to be able to compete with cars or lorries.

Amendment 117 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

(ba) boost the final implementation of TEN-T projects by removing bottlenecks, in cross-border areas in particular, and thus make transport more interoperable by offering comprehensive solutions for the transport of people and goods;

Amendment 118 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) enhance the contribution of rail to Union economy, industry and society, covering in particular aspects related to regional development, industrial competitiveness, sustainable tourism, innovation, employment, education, youth and culture, and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities; stress the potential of rail freight for making progress in transport decarbonisation and the need to make more use of long trains and adapted infrastructure, particularly longer platforms; highlight the advantages of rail for sensitive transport, such as the transport of dangerous goods, animals or medicines;

Amendment 119 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) enhance the contribution of rail to Union economy, industry and society, covering in particular aspects related to regional and local development, industrial competitiveness, sustainable tourism, research and innovation, employment, education, youth and culture, and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities and reduced mobility, as well as elderly persons;

Amendment 120 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c

Amendment 121 #

Brice HORTEFEUX

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) enhance the contribution of rail to Union economy, industry and society, covering in particular aspects related to daily mobility, local and regional development, industrial competitiveness, sustainable tourism, innovation, employment, education, youth and culture, and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities;

Amendment 122 #

Ismail ERTUG, Andris AMERIKS, Isabel GARCÍA MUÑOZ, István UJHELYI, Vera TAX

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c

Amendment 123 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) enhance the contribution of rail to Union economy, industry, commerce and society, covering in particular aspects related to regional development, industrial competitiveness, sustainable tourism, innovation, employment, education, youth and culture, and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities;

Amendment 124 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)

(ca) strengthening efforts to establish a modern, competitive rail system in Europe, which combines efficiency improvements through increased automation and digitalisation, on the one hand, and modern lightweight construction with large numbers of units, on the other, in order to massively increase its competitiveness vis-à-vis road and air transport.

Amendment 125 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c b (new)

(cb) strengthening rail as a mode of transport by providing open, transparent, real-time information about fares and timetables, so that rail passengers can make comparisons and access information about independent third- party providers as they have been able to do routinely in air travel for years.

Amendment 126 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c c (new)

(cc) strengthening rail by dismantling bureaucratic hurdles, symbolically by changing the language requirements for train drivers in the European Year of Rail with the aim of establishing English as a universal language, as it already is in air travel, by 2022.

Amendment 127 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c d (new)

(cd) strengthening rail by improving the cross-border cooperation of the infrastructure operators in order to be able to deploy widely seasonal, cross- border charter trains based on the model of air travel with the aim of promoting sustainable tourism based on the principle of competition.

Amendment 128 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d

Amendment 129 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)

(da) strengthening the framework conditions in order to enable fair, transparent competition between all players. Transparent competition on the same terms is the basic prerequisite for increasing the attractiveness of this mode of transport in both the freight and passenger sectors while at the same time reducing costs for the public sector.

Amendment 130 #

Clare DALY, Mick WALLACE, Leila CHAIBI, Anne-Sophie PELLETIER

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)

(da) promote the key role of digitisation and big data in improving the functioning of the trans-European railway networks and in the EU logistics value chain with a view to improving, and enhancing efficiency in, the organisation and management of freight flows and traffic, particularly in cross-border stretches of track;

Amendment 131 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)

(da) contribute to promote the railway sector at the heart of social and economic inclusion with the promotion of railway jobs to the public and the importance of encouraging public investments in the sector in order to improve the quality of services.

Amendment 132 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)

(da) to produce a consolidated plan for high-speed rail connections for passengers between all major EU cities, of which the main ones can be developed 2040.

Amendment 133 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)

(da) strengthen rail transport in agglomerations and suburbs, to promote space-saving, climate and people-friendly, end-to-end transportation

Amendment 134 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)

(da) stress the Union's place as a global centre of industrial competitiveness with innovative and exporting flagships;

Amendment 135 #

Clare DALY, Mick WALLACE, Leila CHAIBI, Anne-Sophie PELLETIER

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)

(da) encourage and support investment plans in infrastructure and railway R&D for the industrial sector;

Amendment 136 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d b (new)

(db) foster a Union-wide debate, including users, unions, workers and public authorities, about the new challenges and risks that have arisen through the liberalisation of railways in Europe; to promote an alternative pan- European discourse about rail public policy, that would entail creating a socially responsible mobility policy in terms of social rights, working conditions, new forms of employment, including subcontractors and outsourcing, while maintaining high quality of working conditions for traditional workers.

Amendment 137 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d b (new)

(db) recall the need to make progress in opening up the rail market to competition by means of effective decoupling of infrastructure managers and operators and facilitating data sharing with new entrants and third-party suppliers;

Amendment 138 #

Clare DALY, Mick WALLACE, Leila CHAIBI, Anne-Sophie PELLETIER

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d b (new)

(db) disseminate clear information on rail passengers' rights;

Amendment 139 #

(dc) lead to an inclusive reflection with the largest number of participants, including Union citizens, on the long- term mobility policy and lead to rethink our way of traveling; question the political choice of investments in the different modes of transport, including those with higher environmental impacts or poor records of social practices; question the investments in new transport infrastructures such as airports and the competition that this can generate with the railway sector; Examine the importance of high-speed trains in public investment and unnecessary and wasteful infrastructure projects.

Amendment 140 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d c (new)

(dc) encourage the Member States to cooperate with a view to setting up a common European ticketing system, providing, in the EU's official languages, comprehensive information on the various ticketing arrangements in each Member State, on accessibility features at railway stations, and on the different purchasing and payment methods, in order to facilitate access to railway services throughout the EU;

Amendment 141 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d c (new)

(dc) mobilise the shared European collective imagination of rail, particularly the cultural and historical aspects; stress its prominent place in artistic production over the last two centuries; recall the role of rail in building European prosperity and in the industrial revolutions in cutting-edge technologies in the 21st century;

Amendment 142 #

Clare DALY, Mick WALLACE, Leila CHAIBI, Anne-Sophie PELLETIER

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 a (new)

The bulk of the EU funds that will be used in the course of the reconstruction efforts after COVID-19 should be used to massively expand and improve the European rail infrastructure, both structurally and digitally - 5G, ERTMS - in order, in the short term, to create jobs by building infrastructure and to lay the foundations for an efficient and uniform European rail network.

Amendment 143 #

Ismail ERTUG, Andris AMERIKS, Isabel GARCÍA MUÑOZ, István UJHELYI, Vera TAX, Sara CERDAS, Marianne VIND, Inma RODRÍGUEZ-PIÑERO, Maria GRAPINI, Johan DANIELSSON

Proposal for a decision
Article 2 a (new)

Article 2a Emphasise the importance of urban rail and public transport in urban areas that guarantee a sustainable first and last mile option for travellers and daily sustainable transport solutions for commuters.

Amendment 144 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

1. The measures to be taken to achieve the objectives set out in Article 2 shall include the following activities at Union, national, regional or local level and involve all stakeholders including union representatives and civil society linked to the objectives of the European Year:

Amendment 145 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) initiatives and events to promote debate, raise awareness and facilitate citizens, businesses and public authorities' engagement to attract more people and goods to rail as a means to combat climate change, through multiple channels and tools, including events in Member States and their stations, which, as socio- cultural, multi-service, commercial and central administrative spaces, are focal points of the European Year of Rail;

Amendment 146 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) initiatives and events to ensure that Member states honour their commitments, promote debate, raise awareness and facilitate citizens, businesses, clusters, universities, technological institutes and public authorities' engagement to attract more people and goods to rail as a means to combat climate change, through multiple channels and tools, including events in Member States;

Amendment 147 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) initiatives and events to promote debate, raise awareness and facilitate citizens, businesses and public authorities' engagement to attract more people and goods to rail as a means to combat climate change, through multiple channels and tools, including events at national, regional and local level in Member States;

Amendment 148 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) initiatives and events to promote debate, build a positive image, raise awareness and facilitate citizens, businesses and public authorities' engagement to attract more people and goods to rail as a means to combat climate change, through multiple channels and tools, including events in Member States;

Amendment 149 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)

(aa) strengthening passengers’ rights, and improving their awareness in order to make railway more attractive for daily trips as well as for long-distance and cross-border travels.

Amendment 150 #

(ab) promoting universal access as laid down in Protocol 26 on SGI and its references to SGEI, guaranteeing appropriate access for all users throughout the territory (“territorial accessibility”), and taking into account all the conditions of access (waiting time, density of access points, infrastructure, etc.);

Amendment 151 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a c (new)

(ac) promoting and encouraging technological innovation in order to support the railways companies in implementing digital multi-modal tickets, improving competitiveness among different modes of transport and promoting at the same time a cooperative approach.

Amendment 152 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b

(b) information, exhibitions, inspiration, education and awareness- raising campaigns as well as demonstration and information trains to encourage changes in passenger, consumer and business behaviour and to stimulate an active contribution of the general public to achieving the objectives of more sustainable transport;

Amendment 153 #

Clare DALY, Mick WALLACE, Leila CHAIBI, Anne-Sophie PELLETIER

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

(ba) highlighting the strong potential of rail in research and innovation, particularly in connection with hydrogen trains, autonomous trains, improvements in rolling stock performance and the sustainability of infrastructure;

Amendment 154 #

Ismail ERTUG, Andris AMERIKS, Isabel GARCÍA MUÑOZ, István UJHELYI, Vera TAX, Sara CERDAS, Marianne VIND, Inma RODRÍGUEZ-PIÑERO, Josianne CUTAJAR, Maria GRAPINI, Johan DANIELSSON

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) sharing experience and good practices of national, regional and local authorities, civil society, business, trade unions and schools on promoting the use of rail and public transport and on how to implement behavioural change at all levels;

Amendment 155 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)

(ca) promote and contribute to raise awareness towards rail as the preferred environmental friendly and inter-modal travel option, conveniently allowing for combination between sustainable modes of transport such as bicycling

Amendment 156 #

Andrey NOVAKOV, Barbara THALER

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) the undertaking of studies and innovative activities and the dissemination of their results on a European ~~or nat~~, national and regional scale; and

Amendment 157 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)

(da) identification of key projects and measures and promotion at different levels to help reach the objectives in the long term, such as a European joint effort to encourage investment in rail motorways, terminals and rolling stock as an optimised modal shift option that will contribute to the decarbonisation of freight transport and the development of smart and sustainable mobility;

Amendment 158 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)

(da) carrying out a study to examine the various forms of state aid for railway companies in the wake of COVID-19, with the aim of identifying potential distortion of competition between the various market participants

Amendment 159 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d b (new)

(db) carrying out a study involving all railway companies in the Union, which identifies the 10 biggest obstacles to free and transparent competition in the European Year of Rail and which will subsequently be addressed by the EC by the end of 2022.

Amendment 160 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)

(ea) the organisation of a European Commission and Council summit to decide on a consolidated plan and the projected development and construction of high-speed train connections between all major EU cities.

Amendment 161 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)

(ea) the promotion of a study on under- used and/or abandoned rail routes in order to assess whether they could be modernised and renovated.

Amendment 162 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)

(ea) implementation of the activities, partnerships and events set out in the annex of events and partnerships;

Amendment 163 #

Johan DANIELSSON, Jörgen WARBORN, Alviina ALAMETSÄ

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. The Commission shall establish a rail connectivity index to identify consistency, quality and diversity of offer and intermodal possibilities in the Single European Rail Area, with the aim of identifying areas where investment in rail infrastructure is particularly needed. The Commission shall inform Parliament and the Council of its plans by March 2022 at the latest.

Amendment 164 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. The Commission shall support the development of railways as a sustainable part of Union mobility policy by renewing efforts to complete the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) in respect of both on-board rolling stock and infrastructure, and to minimise noise, while ensuring the functioning of the internal market and maintaining or improving the high safety levels;

Amendment 165 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. A collection of best practise examples to promote rail passenger transport and rail freight with special emphasis on network optimisation, services within an integrated timetable scheme, regional infrastructure expansion and promotion of freight transport away from the main corridors;

Amendment 166 #

Ismail ERTUG, Andris AMERIKS, Isabel GARCÍA MUÑOZ, István UJHELYI, Vera TAX, Sara CERDAS, Marianne VIND, Inma RODRÍGUEZ-PIÑERO, Maria GRAPINI, Johan DANIELSSON

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Encourage and promote initiatives in the public and private sector to promote and facilitate better business-travel patterns and commuting by rail.;

Amendment 167 #

Ismail ERTUG, Andris AMERIKS, Isabel GARCÍA MUÑOZ, István UJHELYI, Vera TAX, Sara CERDAS, Marianne VIND, Inma RODRÍGUEZ-PIÑERO, Maria GRAPINI, Johan DANIELSSON

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 b (new)

1b. Initiatives to simplify ticketing systems and carriage regulations;

Amendment 168 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 b (new)

1b. Initiatives to simplify and harmonise ticketing systems;

Amendment 169 #

Ismail ERTUG, Andris AMERIKS, Isabel GARCÍA MUÑOZ, István UJHELYI, Vera TAX, Sara CERDAS, Marianne VIND, Inma RODRÍGUEZ-PIÑERO, Josianne CUTAJAR, Maria GRAPINI, Johan DANIELSSON

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 c (new)

1c. Promote the attractiveness of the railway profession , promote equal pay at the same place, reconciliation of work and private life, career development, protection against abuse and fair conditions of service;

Amendment 170 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 c (new)

1c. Initiatives to strengthen feeder lines in order to improve end-to-end mobility;

Amendment 171 #

Ismail ERTUG, Andris AMERIKS, Isabel GARCÍA MUÑOZ, István UJHELYI, Vera TAX, Sara CERDAS, Marianne VIND, Inma RODRÍGUEZ-PIÑERO, Maria GRAPINI, Johan DANIELSSON

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 d (new)

1d. Cooperation with European rail museums and existing cultural events such as film festivals and art exhibitions;

Amendment 172 #

Ismail ERTUG, Andris AMERIKS, Isabel GARCÍA MUÑOZ, István UJHELYI, Vera TAX, Sara CERDAS, Marianne VIND, Inma RODRÍGUEZ-PIÑERO, Josianne CUTAJAR, Maria GRAPINI, Johan DANIELSSON

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 e (new)

1e. Campaigns to re-establish trust of citizens and passengers to use rail public passenger transport again.

Amendment 173 #

Carles PUIGDEMONT I CASAMAJÓ

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 2

2. The Union institutions and bodies, as well as the Member States, at Union ~~and nat~~, national and regional level respectively, may refer to the European Year and make use of its visual identity in promoting the activities referred to in paragraph 1.

Amendment 174 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. All the languages of the Union, also those that are official in regions of Member States but not of the Union, may be used to promote the objectives set in Article 2 and in the measures set in Article 3(1) of this Decision.

Amendment 175 #

Carles PUIGDEMONT I CASAMAJÓ

Proposal for a decision
Article 4 – paragraph 1

The organisation of participation in the European Year at national level is a responsibility of the Member States. To that end, Member States shall appoint national coordinators. The national coordinators shall ensure the coordination of relevant activities at national level. Regions may collaborate in the organisation of participation at national level. The national coordinators may take into account the regions of their Member State.

Amendment 176 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 4 – paragraph 1

The organisation of participation in the European Year at national level is a responsibility of the Member States. To that end, Member States shall appoint national coordinators. The national coordinators shall ensure the coordination of relevant activities at national level, taking into account the role and position of regional authorities in individual EU countries in promoting rail services.

Amendment 177 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Member States, taking into account their political structure and the distribution of powers, shall appoint the relevant coordinators.

Amendment 178 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 1

1. The Commission shall regularly convene meetings of the national coordinators in order to coordinate the running of the European Year. Those meetings shall also serve as opportunities to exchange information regarding the implementation of the European Year at regional, national and Union level; representatives of the European Parliament may participate in those meetings as observers.

Amendment 179 #

Marian-Jean MARINESCU

Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 2

2. The coordination of the European Year at Union level shall have a transversal approach with a view to creating synergies between the various Union programmes and Union Agencies including interoperability with other means of transportation like air transport (airports) and initiatives that fund projects in the field of rail transport or that have a rail dimension.

Amendment 180 #

Brice HORTEFEUX

Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1

The Commission shall convene regular meetings of stakeholders and representatives of organisations or bodies active in the field of rail transport~~, including~~. It shall ensure that this participation is as balanced as possible, including rail transport incumbents as well as new entrants. It shall also include existing transnational networks and relevant NGOs, as well as of youth organisations and communities, and organisations representing people with disabilities and reduced mobility to assist it in implementing the European Year at Union level.

Amendment 181 #

Carles PUIGDEMONT I CASAMAJÓ

Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1

The Commission shall convene regular meetings of stakeholders and representatives of organisations or bodies active in the field of rail transport, including existing transnational networks ~~and~~, the relevant NGOs, clusters, universities and technological institutes as well as of youth organisations and communities, to assist it in implementing the European Year at Union level.

Amendment 182 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1

The Commission shall convene, in different cities of the Union, regular meetings of stakeholders and representatives of organisations or bodies active in the field of rail transport, including existing transnational networks and relevant NGOs, as well as of youth organisations and communities, to assist it in implementing the European Year at Union level.

Amendment 183 #

Anna DEPARNAY-GRUNENBERG, Dominique RIQUET, Tomasz Piotr PORĘBA, Ismail ERTUG

Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1

The Commission shall convene regular meetings of representatives of all railway undertakings and infrastructure managers, stakeholders and representatives of organisations or bodies active in the field of rail transport~~, including existing transnational networks and relevant NGOs, as well as of youth organisations and communities,~~ to assist it in implementing the European Year at Union level.

Amendment 184 #

Ismail ERTUG, Andris AMERIKS, Isabel GARCÍA MUÑOZ, István UJHELYI, Vera TAX

Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1

The Commission shall convene regular meetings of stakeholders, social partners and representatives of organisations or bodies active in the field of rail transport, including existing transnational networks and relevant NGOs, as well as of youth organisations and communities, to assist it in implementing the European Year at Union level.

Amendment 185 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 6 a (new)

Article 6a Budget The financial envelope for the implementation of this Decision for the period from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2022 shall be EUR 16 million. The annual appropriations shall be authorised by the European Parliament and the Council within the limits of the multiannual financial framework.

Amendment 186 #

Julie LECHANTEUX, Philippe OLIVIER

By 31 December 2022, the Commission shall submit a report to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the implementation, results and overall assessment of the initiatives provided for in this Decision; the overall assessment must also take into account the economic and safety consequences of opening up the rail services market to competition, the operating costs per kilometre, the increase in fares and the abandonment of secondary lines which, in some areas, forces users to use their cars.

Amendment 187 #

Brice HORTEFEUX

Proposal for a decision
Article 7 – paragraph 1

Amendment 188 #

Proposal for a decision
Article 8 a (new)

Article 8a Annex of events and partnerships (new) Partnerships shall support a range of activities to give effect to the European Year of Rail through events intended for citizens. This annex sets out a minimum list of events to be carried out during the European Year of Rail, supported by various partnerships according to their scope. The list is not exhaustive. The following partnerships, events or activities must be organised during the European Year: - Partnerships with film festivals throughout Europe to highlight the prominent place of rail in cinema production; - Partnership with the European Union Agency for Railways to emphasise: • The performance of the sector in Europe; • The know-how of actors in the sector, in particular of rail workers; • The advantages of rail in terms of safety and environmental protection; • Career opportunities for pupils, students and apprentices; - Mobilising railway museums to relay the messages of the European Year; - Mobile exhibition trains in the Union to highlight the attractiveness and the education of the messages of the European Year; - Providing Inter-rail passes for young people in connection with Erasmus studies or competitions to extend the reach of the European Year; - Exploiting the potential of stations as places of art, urban meeting places and economic, cultural and civic hubs. (This is not an amendment to Article 8 a (new). This is a new Annex.)

Amendment 31 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 1

(1) In its Communication of 11 December 201915, the Commission set out a European Green Deal for the European Union and its citizens. The European Green Deal is a new smart, sustainable digital growth strategy that aims to transform the Union into a fair and prosperous society, with a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use. _________________ 15Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 11 December 2019 on the European Green Deal (COM/2019/640 final)

Amendment 32 #

Clare DALY, Mick WALLACE

Proposal for a decision
Recital 1

(1) ~~In its Communication of 11 December 201915 , the Commission set out a European Green Deal for the European Union and its citizens.~~ The European Green Deal is a new growth strategy that aims to transform the Union into a fair and prosperous society, with a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use. _________________ 15 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 11 December 2019 on the European Green Deal (COM/2019/640 final)The spirit of a Green New Deal, or any manipulation of these words, is to have an ambitious, state-led and publicly funded ecological transition.

Amendment 33 #

Ismail ERTUG, Andris AMERIKS, Isabel GARCÍA MUÑOZ, István UJHELYI, Vera TAX, Sara CERDAS, Marianne VIND, Inma RODRÍGUEZ-PIÑERO, Josianne CUTAJAR, Maria GRAPINI, Johan DANIELSSON

Proposal for a decision
Recital 1 a (new)

(1a) The recent experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the importance of rail as being a stable, safe and a more resilient transport mode for freight and passenger transport. This is largely based on the employees who continued working under difficult, dangerous and uncertain conditions to ensure that medical supplies and essential goods are transported across Europe.

Amendment 34 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 3

(3) In its resolution of 15 January 202017 , the European Parliament welcomed the Commission’s communication on ‘The European Green Deal’ and called for the necessary transition to a climate-neutral society by 2050 at the latest. In this regard, after the pandemic outbreak of COVID-19, the achievement of climate neutrality has to be balanced with the need to give urgent responses to the economic crisis that Member States are facing. _________________ 17European Parliament resolution of 15 January 2020 on the European Green Deal (2019/2956(RSP))

Amendment 35 #

Clare DALY, Mick WALLACE, Anne-Sophie PELLETIER

Proposal for a decision
Recital 3

(3) In its resolution of 15 January 202017, the European Parliament ~~welcom~~acknowledged the Commission’s communication on ‘The European Green Deal’ and called for the necessary transition to a climate-neutral society by 2050 at the latest. _________________ 17European Parliament resolution of 15 January 2020 on the European Green Deal (2019/2956(RSP))

Amendment 36 #

Ismail ERTUG, Andris AMERIKS, Isabel GARCÍA MUÑOZ, István UJHELYI, Vera TAX, Sara CERDAS, Marianne VIND, Inma RODRÍGUEZ-PIÑERO, Josianne CUTAJAR, Maria GRAPINI, Johan DANIELSSON

Proposal for a decision
Recital 4

(4) In line with the objectives set out in the Commission Communication on the European Green Deal, there is a need to transform the Union economy and to rethink policies, in particular in the field of transport and mobility, which implies accelerating the shift to sustainable and smart mobility. Transport accounts for a quarter of the Union’s greenhouse gas emissions, and still growing. To achieve climate neutrality, a 90% reduction in transport emissions is needed by 2050. Achieving sustainable, intermodal transport means putting users first and providing them with more affordable, accessible, healthier and cleaner alternatives to their current mobility habits encouraging those already using sustainable transport modes such as walking, cycling and public transport. Achieving sustainable transport means as well putting transport workers first who are essential workers and deliver quality transport services to the benefit of users only when quality working conditions are realized. The European Green Deal implies to accelerate the shift to sustainable and smart mobility to address these challenges. In particular, a substantial part of the 75% of inland freight carried today by road should shift onto rail and inland waterways.

Amendment 37 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 4

(4) In line with the objectives set out in the Commission Communication on the European Green Deal, there is a need to transform the Union economy and to rethink policies, in particular in the field of transport and mobility, which implies accelerating the shift to sustainable and smart mobility. Transport accounts for a quarter of the Union’s greenhouse gas emissions, and still growing. To achieve climate neutrality, a 90% reduction in transport emissions is needed by 2050. Achieving sustainable transport means putting users first and providing them with more affordable, accessible, healthier and cleaner alternatives to their current mobility habits. It also means ending all favourable fiscal environments, all forms of state aids and public investment in industries and modes of transport that are disproportionally detrimental to the environment. The European Green Deal implies to accelerate the shift to sustainable and smart mobility to address these challenges. In particular, a substantial part of the 75% of inland freight carried today by road should shift onto rail and inland waterways.

Amendment 38 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 4

(4) In line with the objectives set out in the Commission Communication on the European Green Deal, there is a need to transform the Union economy and to rethink policies, in particular in the field of transport and mobility, which implies accelerating the shift to sustainable and smart mobility. Transport accounts for a quarter of the Union’s greenhouse gas emissions, and still growing. To achieve climate neutrality, a 90% reduction in transport emissions is needed by 2050. Achieving sustainable and multimodal transport means putting users first and providing them with more affordable, accessible, healthier and cleaner alternatives to their current mobility habits. The European Green Deal implies to accelerate the shift to sustainable and smart mobility to address these challenges. In particular, a substantial part of the 75% of inland freight carried today by road should shift onto rail and inland waterways, it is thus essential to move forward in implementing the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and to ensure the necessary financial resources are available.

Amendment 39 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 4

(4) In line with the objectives set out in the Commission Communication on the European Green Deal, there is a need to transform the Union economy and to rethink policies, in particular in the field of transport and mobility, which implies accelerating the shift to sustainable ~~and smart~~, zero emissions and sustainable, smart, intermodal, interoperable and interconnected mobility. Transport accounts for a quarter of the Union’s greenhouse gas emissions, and still growing. To achieve climate neutrality, a 90% reduction in transport emissions is needed by 2050. Achieving sustainable transport means putting users first and having infrastructure that provid~~ing~~es them with ~~more affordable, accessible, healthier and cleaner alternatives to~~accessible, effective, efficient alternatives at competitive prices that make it a natural choice to change their current mobility habits. The European Green Deal implies to accelerate the shift to sustainable and smart mobility to address these challenges. In particular, a substantial part of the 75% of inland freight carried today by road should shift onto rail and inland waterways.

Amendment 40 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 4

(4) In line with the objectives set out in the Commission Communication on the European Green Deal, there is a need to transform the Union economy and to rethink policies, in particular in the field of transport and mobility, which implies accelerating the shift to sustainable and smart mobility. Transport accounts for a quarter of the Union’s greenhouse gas emissions, and still growing. To achieve climate neutrality, a 90% reduction in transport emissions is needed by 2050. Achieving sustainable transport means putting users first and providing them with more affordable, accessible, healthier ~~and cleaner~~, cleaner and more energy-efficient alternatives to their current mobility habits. The European Green Deal implies to accelerate the shift to sustainable and smart mobility to address these challenges. In particular, a substantial part of the 75% of inland freight carried today by road should shift onto rail and inland waterways.

Amendment 41 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 4

(4) In line with the objectives set out in the Commission Communication on the European Green Deal, there is a need to transform the Union economy and to rethink policies, in particular in the field of transport and mobility, which implies accelerating the shift to sustainable and smart mobility. Transport accounts for a quarter of the Union’s greenhouse gas emissions, and still growing. To achieve climate neutrality, a 90% reduction in transport emissions is needed by 20540. Achieving sustainable transport means putting users first and providing them with more affordable, accessible, healthier and cleaner alternatives to their current mobility habits. The European Green Deal implies to accelerate the shift to sustainable and smart mobility to address these challenges. In particular, a substantial part of the 75% of inland freight carried today by road should shift onto rail and inland waterways.

Amendment 42 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 4

(4) ~~In line with the objectives set out in the Commission Communication on the European Green Deal, t~~There is a need to transform the Union economy and to rethink policies, in particular in the field of transport and mobility, which implies accelerating the shift to sustainable, intermodal and smart mobility~~. Transport accounts for a quarter of the Union’s greenhouse gas emissions, and still growing. To achieve climate neutrality, a 90% reduction in transport emissions is needed by 2050~~. Achieving sustainable transport means putting users first and providing them with more affordable, accessible, healthier and cleaner alternatives to their current mobility habits. The European Green Deal implies to accelerate the shift to sustainable and smart mobility to address these challenges, but its implementation should not reduce the competitiveness of the European enterprises within the global market. In particular, a substantial part of the 75% of inland freight carried today by road should shift onto rail and inland waterways. This process should be encouraged by improving the efficiency of the logistic network and ensuring incentives for the operators.

Amendment 43 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 4 a (new)

(4a) The European Year of Rail should be an opportunity to involve regional and local authorities in planning and designing projects to modernise and digitalise rail infrastructure. In particular, it is necessary to involve touristic regions that need sustainable, modern and electrified rail services.

Amendment 44 #

Clare DALY, Mick WALLACE, Leila CHAIBI, Anne-Sophie PELLETIER

Proposal for a decision
Recital 5

(5) Rail has a significant role to play as a game changer to achieve the climate neutrality objective by 2050. It is one of the most environmentally friendly and energy-efficient transport modes. Rail is largely electrified and emits far less CO2 than equivalent travel by road or air, and is the only mode that has consistently reduced its greenhouse gas emissions and CO2 emissions since 1990. In addition, rail has decreased its energy consumption between 1990-201618 and increasingly uses renewable energy sources. The support for rail transport has a positive influence also on other modes of transport. The Union and the Member States should promote a complementary approach among all transport sectors, taking into account that inter-modality and interoperability are an essential goal to achieve. In this regard, rail should be the backbone of the European logistics and of middle-distance transport of passengers. _________________ 18DG MOVE Statistical Pocketbook 2019 “EU transport in figures” (source: Eurostat)

Amendment 45 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 5

(5) Rail has a significant role to play as a game changer to achieve the climate neutrality objective by 2050. It is one of the most environmentally friendly and energy-efficient transport modes. Rail is largely electrified and emits far less CO2 than equivalent travel by road or air, and is the only mode that has consistently reduced its greenhouse gas emissions and CO2 emissions since 1990. In addition, rail has decreased its energy consumption between 1990-201618 and increasingly uses renewable energy sources. However, the unfavourable fiscal environment that the rail sector faces does not allow the industry to reach its full capacity, travellers being attracted by other cheaper but disproportionally detrimental modes of transport. _________________ 18DG MOVE Statistical Pocketbook 2019 “EU transport in figures” (source: Eurostat)

Amendment 46 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 5

(5) Rail has a significant role to play as a game changer to achieve the climate neutrality objective by 2050. It is one of the most environmentally friendly and energy-efficient transport modes. Rail is largely electrified and emits ~~far~~seven times less CO2 than ~~equivalent travel by road or air~~travel by car and 20 times less than travel by air per passenger- kilometre, and is the only mode that has consistently reduced its greenhouse gas emissions and CO2 emissions since 1990.17a In addition, rail has decreased its energy consumption between 1990-201618 and increasingly uses renewable energy sources. _________________ 17a European Environment Agency, EEA TERM 2014 18DG MOVE Statistical Pocketbook 2019 “EU transport in figures” (source: Eurostat)

Amendment 47 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 5

(5) Rail has a significant role to play as a game changer to achieve the climate neutrality objective by 20540. It is one of the most environmentally friendly and energy-efficient transport modes. Rail is largely electrified and emits far less CO2 than equivalent travel by road or air, and is the only mode that has consistently reduced its greenhouse gas emissions and CO2 emissions since 1990. In addition, rail has decreased its energy consumption between 1990-201618 and increasingly uses renewable energy sources. _________________ 18DG MOVE Statistical Pocketbook 2019 “EU transport in figures” (source: Eurostat);

Amendment 48 #

Ismail ERTUG, Andris AMERIKS, Isabel GARCÍA MUÑOZ, István UJHELYI, Vera TAX, Sara CERDAS, Marianne VIND, Inma RODRÍGUEZ-PIÑERO, Josianne CUTAJAR, Maria GRAPINI, Johan DANIELSSON

Proposal for a decision
Recital 5 a (new)

(5a) The COVID-19 pandemic has hit rail and the public transport sector exceptionally hard. The sector experienced an unprecedented decline in passenger numbers in international and long distant services as well as in regional, suburban and urban services. Despite the operational and financial constraints the sector maintained crucial connections for both people and the transport of essential goods. Rail and public transport play a key role in the economic recovery and are amongst the most sustainable transport means. Therefore the European Year of Rail should encourage citizens to use rail and public transport again.

Amendment 49 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 5 a (new)

(5a) The year 2021 is an important year for the Union rail policy. It will be the first full year where the rules agreed under the Fourth Railway Package will be implemented throughout the EU, namely on the opening of the market of domestic passenger services and on reducing costs and administrative burden for railway undertakings operating across the EU. Public interest in railways is growing in many Member States. 2021 should therefore be considered the right time to implement this initiative.

Amendment 50 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 5 a (new)

(5a) Member States should take measures in order to enhance connectivity between different regions, including cross-border connections, while implementing macro-regional strategies through the involvement of local authorities and improving the coordination among customers and stakeholders.

Amendment 51 #

Clare DALY, Mick WALLACE, Leila CHAIBI, Anne-Sophie PELLETIER

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6

(6) By connecting the Union’s main transport routes with its peripheral regions and territories~~, the rail sector contributes to social, economic and territorial cohesion.~~ and by establishing and reinstating missing regional cross- borderraillinks1a and advancing in electrification1b, the rail sector contributes to social, economic and territorial cohesion. Furthermore, remote areas often have fewer and less-well-developed networks that need particular attention. Moreover, border regions throughout the Union make up 40 % of the Union’s territory, containing a third of its population1cbut are often faced with the doubly difficult situation of being rural in character and at the periphery of national networks. _________________ 1aDG RERIO Report “Quantification of the effects of legal and administrative border obstacles in land border regions” (Source: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sourc es/docoffic/2014/boosting_growth/quantif _effect_borders_obstacles.pdf 1b https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/in formation/publications/reports/2018/comp rehensive-analysis-of-the-existing-cross- border-rail-transport-connections-and- missing-links-on-the-internal-eu-borders 1cDG RERIO Report “Quantification of the effects of legal and administrative border obstacles in land border regions” (Source: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sourc es/docoffic/2014/boosting_growth/quantif _effect_borders_obstacles.pdf

Amendment 52 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6

(6) By connecting the Union’s main transport routes with its peripheral regions and territories, as well as distant neighbourhoods and city peripheries to city centres, the rail sector contributes to social, economic and territorial cohesion. Its advantages in reducing the negative externalities of urbanisation such as noise, air pollution and bottlenecks are not negligible and help make cities more liveable. At the same time, it allows better connectivity and a distribution of the population which has a direct impact on the environment and social and economic cohesion

Amendment 53 #

Marian-Jean MARINESCU

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6

(6) By connecting the Union’s main transport routes with its peripheral regions and territories, the rail sector contributes to social, economic and territorial cohesion. The reinforcement of interoperability with other means of transportation like air transport and its infrastructures (airports) would certainly be an added value mainly to ensure connectivity and smart mobility with long-haul connections, peripheral regions, territories and islands not feasible by rail.

Amendment 54 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6

(6) By connecting the Union’s main transport routes with its ~~peripheral~~territories, including at regionsal and ~~territories~~local level, the rail sector contributes to social, economic and territorial cohesion. Furthermore, promoting a sustainable and efficient development of the comprehensive network of TEN-T, whose completion is essential and not secondary to the core network, would enhance the connectivity of peripheral and local regions.

Amendment 55 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6

(6) By connecting the Union’s main transport routes with its peripheral regions and territories, the rail sector contributes to the EU's social, economic and territorial cohesion., and is of particular importance in connecting in rural areas where high- quality rail infrastructure ensures that people do not relocate and provides basic services;

Amendment 56 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6

(6) By connecting the Union’s main transport routes with its peripheral regions and territories, the rail sector contributes to social, economic and territorial cohesion and its global competitiveness. However, there are missing connections, particularly cross-border connections, which prevents the trans-European transport network from being fully effective.

Amendment 57 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6

(6) ~~By connecting the Union’s main transport routes with its peripheral regions and territories, the rail sector contributes to~~The railway sector must have a system connecting all cross-border railway systems throughout the EU, thus forging links between all countries without interruption and between the peripheral regions and territories within the countries. It will thus help ensure sustainable and smart mobility as well as social, economic and territorial cohesion.

Amendment 58 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6

(6) By connecting the Union’s main transport routes and cities with its peripheral regions and territories, where possible with high-speed links, the rail sector contributes to social, economic and territorial cohesion.

Amendment 59 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6

(6) By connecting the Union’s main transport routes with its peripheral ~~regions and territories~~, hard- to-reach and mountainous regions and territories with high-quality network, the rail sector contributes to social, economic and territorial cohesion.

Amendment 60 #

Clare DALY, Mick WALLACE, Leila CHAIBI, Anne-Sophie PELLETIER

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6

(6) By connecting the Union’s main transport routes with its peripheral regions and territories, the rail sector contributes to social, economic and territorial cohesion and to better connectivity in the internal market.

Amendment 61 #

Ismail ERTUG, Andris AMERIKS, Isabel GARCÍA MUÑOZ, István UJHELYI, Vera TAX, Sara CERDAS, Marianne VIND, Inma RODRÍGUEZ-PIÑERO, Josianne CUTAJAR, Johan DANIELSSON

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6

(6) By connecting the Union’s main transport routes with its rural areas, regions, peripheral regions and territories, the rail sector contributes to social, economic and territorial cohesion.

Amendment 62 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6 a (new)

(6a) The preservation of branch lines is essential to strengthen territorial connectivity, whether these are connections in the territories of the Member States, cross-border connections or peripheral territories. Rail transport should be promoted as a sustainable universal mode of transport through its social accessibility, its territorial connectivity, covering all uses at any time of the day and year.

Amendment 63 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6 a (new)

(6a) The creation of a functional rail network across Europe would enhance the political cohesion within the Union and it needs specific objectives and measures that foster the development of collective transport and integrated mobility, while protecting the environment and promoting social inclusion.

Amendment 64 #

Tom BERENDSEN

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6 a (new)

(6a) Therefore, it should be emphasised the need for investments in rail infrastructure projects to improve the regional cross-border connections in Europa, which will improve economic activity in the regions, create new jobs and contribute to recovery from the current health and economic crisis.

Amendment 65 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6 a (new)

(6a) Compared to sectors such as road, air and sea transport, rail has undeniable advantages in terms of transport safety, environmental performance and energy efficiency.

Amendment 66 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6 b (new)

(6b) The rail transport could prevent mountain, rural and coastal regions from being isolated and it could foster the connectivity between urban and peripheral areas. Therefore, it is necessary to guarantee an adequate support to regional and local authorities, in particular in those areas where mobility services should be ensured despite the poor economic performance for operators.

Amendment 67 #

Tom BERENDSEN

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6 b (new)

(6b) Investments in rail infrastructure should additionally focus on those connections that contribute to the Union’s goals regarding the modal shift, for instance in port or airport areas where freight can be transported via rail instead of road in case adequate rail infrastructure is in place.

Amendment 68 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 6 c (new)

(6c) The Union and the Member States should improve their logistic chain and ensure a coordinated approach regarding the rail freight transport, which has proved crucial in the COVID-19 outbreak as a mode of transport, which is fundamental to safely deliver all types of supplies, such as primary goods and dangerous goods.

Amendment 69 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7

(7) While the share of passenger rail in the Union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007, the share of freight has decreased. Many obstacles remain to achieve a true Single European Rail Area~~, including in respect of the need to minimise nois~~ such as: - implementing the ERTMS (European wide modern train management systems) for both on-board and track-side equipment; - boosting interoperability and inter- modality in order to connect the railways with all main European logistic hubs (ports, airports, logistic areas, etc..); - minimising noise in order to promote a better integration between logistical systems and citizens’ quality of life; - promoting innovation and digitalisation, as well as infrastructure upgrade and maintenance. Overcoming these obstacles together with cost reduction ~~and accelerated innovation~~ will allow rail to realise its full potential. Rail therefore needs a further boost to become more attractive to travellers and businesses alike.

Amendment 70 #

Johan DANIELSSON, Jörgen WARBORN, Alviina ALAMETSÄ

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7

(7) While the share of passenger rail in the Union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007, the share of freight has decreased. Many obstacles remain to achieve a true Single European Rail Area, including in respect of the need to minimise noise. Overcoming these obstacles together with cost reduction and accelerated innovation will allow rail to realise its full potential. Rail therefore needs a further boost to become more attractive to travellers and businesses alike. In particular, under-used suburban and regional lines need to be modernised and renovated, in order to encourage, as much as possible, urban mobility with a low environmental impact and connection to neighbouring disadvantaged areas, while promoting sustainable intermodality, enabling bicycles to be taken on trains and encouraging the use of rail for medium-length journeys on night trains in Europe;

Amendment 71 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7

(7) While the share of passenger rail in the Union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007, the share of freight has decreased. Many obstacles remain to achieve a true Single European Rail Area, including in respect of the need to foster interoperability and digitalisation, accelerate the implementation of European wide modern train management systems (ERTMS) for both on-board and track-side equipment, to internalise the external costs and to minimise noise. Overcoming these obstacles together with cost reduction and accelerated innovation will allow rail to realise its full potential, while ensuring the functioning of the internal market, increasing traffic and maintaining or improving the high safety levels. Rail therefore needs a further boost to become more attractive to travellers and businesses alike.

Amendment 72 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7

(7) ~~While t~~The share of passenger rail in the Union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007~~, the share of freight has decreased~~. Many obstacles remain to achieve a true Single European Rail Area, including in respect of the need to minimise noise. These obstacles need to be identified and overcome. Overcoming these obstacles together with cost reduction and accelerated innovation will allow rail to realise its full potential. ~~Rail~~It is therefore ne~~eds~~cessary to plan high-speed connections between all major cities in the EU, of which passengers can take full advantage in the future, thereby giving rail a further boost to become more attractive to travellers and businesses alike.

Amendment 73 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7

(7) While the share of passenger rail in the Union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007, the share of freight has decreased. Parts of the sector are characterised by outdated practices, lack of investment in automation and capacity constraints. Many obstacles remain to achieve a true Single European Rail Area, including in respect of the need to minimise noise, foster innovation, interoperability and digitisation. Overcoming these obstacles together with cost reduction and accelerated innovation will allow rail to realise its full potential. Rail therefore needs a further boost to become more attractive to travellers and businesses alike.

Amendment 74 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7

(7) While the share of passenger rail in the Union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007, the share of freight has decreased. Many obstacles remain to achieve a true Single European Rail Area, including in respect of the need to minimise noise. Overcoming these obstacles together with cost reduction and accelerated innovation will allow rail to realise its full potential. Rail therefore needs a further boost to become more attractive to travellers and businesses alike and to have suitable infrastructure and strong EU funding instruments such as the Connect Europe Mechanism.

Amendment 75 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7

(7) While the share of passenger rail in the Union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007, the share of freight has decreased. Many obstacles remain to achieve a true Single European Rail Area, including in respect of the need to minimise noise. Overcoming these obstacles together with cost reduction and accelerated innovation will allow rail to realise its full potential. Rail therefore needs a further boost to become more attractive to travellers and businesses alike. The role of the ERA in lowering technical barriers in the Single European Rail Area should be highlighted.

Amendment 76 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7

(7) While the share of passenger rail in the Union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007, the share of freight has decreased. Many obstacles remain to achieve a true Single European Rail Area, ~~including in~~as a res~~pec~~ult of the ~~need to minimise noise~~failure to implement the railway packages and to complete the TEN-T and freight corridors. Overcoming these obstacles together with cost reduction and accelerated innovation will allow rail to realise its full potential. Rail and industry therefore need~~s a further boost to become more~~ the necessary support to create an attractive tosystem for travellers and businesses alike.

Amendment 77 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7

(7) While the share of passenger rail in the Union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007, the share of freight has decreased. Many obstacles remain to achieve a true Single European Rail Area, including in respect of opening up to competition and the need to minimise noise. Overcoming these obstacles together with cost reduction and accelerated innovation will allow rail to realise its full potential. Rail therefore needs a further boost to become more attractive to travellers and businesses alike.

Amendment 78 #

Clare DALY, Mick WALLACE, Leila CHAIBI, Anne-Sophie PELLETIER

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7

Amendment 79 #

Ismail ERTUG, Andris AMERIKS, Isabel GARCÍA MUÑOZ, István UJHELYI, Vera TAX, Sara CERDAS, Marianne VIND, Inma RODRÍGUEZ-PIÑERO, Maria GRAPINI, Johan DANIELSSON

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7

(7) While the share of passenger rail in the Union land transport has only slightly increased since 2007, the share of freight has decreased. Many obstacles remain to achieve a true Single European Rail Area, including in respect of the need to minimise noise. Overcoming these obstacles together with cost reduction and accelerated innovation will allow rail to realise its full potential. Rail therefore needs a further boost to become more attractive to travellers, employees and businesses alike.

Amendment 80 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7 a (new)

(7a) While the transport, culture and tourism sectors have been the most negatively affected of all major economic sectors by COVID-19, with large-scale unemployment affecting, the current crisis also represents a historic opportunity to modernise tourism in the EU and make it more sustainable and more accessible. Therefore, rail transport represents the best solution in order to promote rural and agro-ecotourism and the European Union should further promote and support initiatives that would generate additional sources of income for rural areas, create jobs, prevent depopulation, increase social benefits and place rail transport at the heart of tourist mobility.

Amendment 81 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7 a (new)

(7a) Investment in rail infrastructure is key to the modal competitiveness of rail. While 80% of funding under the Connecting Europe Facility is channelled towards rail, the Member States, too, have a responsibility to pursue ambitious investment policies to promote the modal shift. These investments should be based on a rail connectivity index in order to maximise the efficiency of the Singe European Rail Area.

Amendment 82 #

Ismail ERTUG, Andris AMERIKS, Isabel GARCÍA MUÑOZ, István UJHELYI, Vera TAX, Sara CERDAS, Marianne VIND, Inma RODRÍGUEZ-PIÑERO, Maria GRAPINI, Johan DANIELSSON

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7 a (new)

(7a) To increase the usage of rail services a comprehensive strategy needs to include a door-to-door approach and thus the use of public transport.

Amendment 83 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7 a (new)

(7a) Rail should be integral in delivering seamless "whole journey" travel solutions in combination with other modes, including active travel.

Amendment 84 #

Clare DALY, Mick WALLACE, Leila CHAIBI, Anne-Sophie PELLETIER

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7 a (new)

(7a) Improved interoperability and digitisation will be possible if we speed up the implementation of the ERTMS system throughout the Union.

Amendment 85 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7 b (new)

(7b) The COVID-19 crisis shows how crucial railway workers are to keep Europe moving in times of crisis, whether they are on a train, in a railway station, working in traffic management or infrastructure maintenance. Operational staff, office staff and out-sourced and sub-contracted workers are part of public services that are essential in daily life and the European Year of Rail should be the opportunity to promote to the public the wide offer of railway sector jobs and to draw the attention of stakeholders to the need to protect the employment and collective rights of railway workers.

Amendment 86 #

Ismail ERTUG, Andris AMERIKS, Isabel GARCÍA MUÑOZ, István UJHELYI, Vera TAX, Sara CERDAS, Marianne VIND, Inma RODRÍGUEZ-PIÑERO, Josianne CUTAJAR, Maria GRAPINI, Johan DANIELSSON

Proposal for a decision
Recital 7 b (new)

(7b) There were 979 railway companies employing over 660,000 people in the European Union in 20161a. Making the rail sector the third biggest employer of all modes of transport; in order to reach its full potential, it needs to diversify its workforce and attract women and young workers in particular. It is essential to deliver optimal transport services to the benefit of users, with rail employees enjoying quality working conditions; _________________ 1a European Commission (2019), Statistical Pocketbook: EU Transport in figures, p. 26-27.

Amendment 87 #

Clare DALY, Mick WALLACE, Leila CHAIBI, Anne-Sophie PELLETIER

Proposal for a decision
Recital 8

(8) In order to promote rail transport in line with the objectives set out in the Commission Communication on the European Green Deal, including with regard to sustainable and smart mobility, the year 2021 should be designated as European Year of Rail. 2021 will be an important year for the Union rail policy, it will be the first full year where the rules agreed under the Fourth Railway Package will be implemented throughout the Union, namely on the opening of the market of domestic passenger services and on reducing costs and administrative burden for railway undertakings operating across the Union. There is a growing public interest in railways, including in night trains, in a number of Member States, as also illustrated by the popularity of #DiscoverEUThere is a growing understanding among Union citizens that publicly owned and maintained rail transportation represents, including alternative commercial offers such as night trains, a safe, reliable and eco- friendly, mode of transport. Moreover, the international arts festival ‘Europalia’ will dedicate its 2021 edition to the influence of railways on the arts and highlight the role of rail as a powerful promotor of social, economic and industrial change.

Amendment 88 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 8

(8) In order to promote rail transport in line with the objectives set out in the Commission Communication on the European Green Deal, including with regard to sustainable and smart mobility, the year 2021 should be designated as European Year of Rail. 2021 will be an important year for the Union rail policy, it will be the first full year where the rules agreed under the Fourth Railway Package will be implemented throughout the Union, namely on the opening of the market of domestic passenger services and on reducing costs and administrative burden for railway undertakings operating across the Union. This European Year of Rail should mark the starting point of a broader rail strategy, which aims to complete the Single European Rail Area. There is a growing public interest in railways, including in night trains, in a number of Member States, as also illustrated by the popularity of #DiscoverEU. Moreover, the international arts festival ‘Europalia’ will dedicate its 2021 edition to the influence of railways on the arts and highlight the role of rail as a powerful promotor of social, economic and industrial change.

Amendment 89 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 8

(8) In order to promote rail transport in line with the objectives set out in the Commission Communication on the European Green Deal, including with regard to sustainable and smart mobility, the year 2021 should be designated as European Year of Rail. 2021 will be an important year for the Union rail policy, it will be the first full year where the rules agreed under the Fourth Railway Package will be implemented throughout the Union, namely on the opening of the market of domestic passenger services and on reducing costs and administrative burden for railway undertakings operating across the Union. There is a growing public interest in railways, including in night trains, in a number of Member States, as also illustrated by the popularity of #DiscoverEU. Rail freight unquestionably has a leading role to play in European mobility policies. Moreover, the international arts festival ‘Europalia’ will dedicate its 2021 edition to the influence of railways on the arts and highlight the role of rail as a powerful promotor of social, economic ~~and~~, industrial and ecological change.

Amendment 90 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 8

(8) In order to promote rail transport in line with the objectives set out in the Commission Communication on the European Green Deal, including with regard to sustainable and smart mobility, the year 2021 should be designated as European Year of Rail. 2021 will be an important year for the Union rail policy, it will be the first full year where the rules agreed under the Fourth Railway Package will be implemented throughout the Union, namely on the opening of the market of domestic passenger services and on reducing costs and administrative burden for railway undertakings operating across the Union. There is a growing public interest in railways, including in night trains, in a number of Member States, as also illustrated by the popularity of #DiscoverEU. Moreover, the international arts festival ‘Europalia’ will dedicate its 2021 edition to the influence of railways on the arts and highlight the role of rail as a powerful promotor of social, economic ~~and~~, industrial and commercial change.

Amendment 91 #

(8a) The Shift2Rail (S2R) Joint Undertaking, launched as part of the Horizon 2020 framework programme for innovation, is the railway sector's first collaborative research instrument. By bringing together manufacturers, operators, infrastructure managers and academics in all Member States, S2R has ensured the stability and long-term prospects of the entire sector's technological innovation efforts. The European Commission and the Member States should strongly support Shift2Rail's successor in the next Horizon Europe research and innovation framework programme, so as to make further progress in innovation in the sector with a view to increasing capacity in the European rail network, achieving higher rail service quality and reliability and significantly reducing life-cycle costs across the entire network.

Amendment 92 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 8 a (new)

(8a) The overwhelming majority of freight transport starts or ends in towns and suburbs. 70% of the population lives there and 85% of the Union's GDP is created in these areas. Similarly, commuters account for 80-90% of all passengers. This means that urban agglomerations are significant contributors to the overall performance of passenger rail transport, as also reflected in the 'Urban mobility package' and the 'European Strategy for low-emission mobility'.

Amendment 93 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 8 a (new)

(8a) The Union and the Member States should allocate adequate funding and address their investments to develop the rail infrastructure in order to create new jobs. Moreover, the perspective of creating jobs should be promoted by all institutional levels involving both people seeking for job and workers with professional experience in the sector.

Amendment 94 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 8 a (new)

(8a) The railway industry is a modern and strategic sector with a wide-ranging industrial fabric which drives technological innovation; it therefore needs to be supported with a plan that enables further progress in updating and digitising rolling stock as well as in the digital transformation.

Amendment 95 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 8 a (new)

(8a) Enhancing the attractiveness of rail requires the services to be user- centred, organised and engineered to deliver good value with consistent dependability and excellent service quality. Those services should be priced competitively, reflecting resource- efficiency.

Amendment 96 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 8 b (new)

(8b) The role of motivated staff cannot be underestimated and guarantees smooth operations. Many railways, however, have problems to attract new employees, which is a clear sign that working conditions are not perceived as attractive; it would therefore be advisable to pick up this common European problem in future coordination meetings with all involved actors;

Amendment 97 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 8 b (new)

(8b) The European Year of Rail should address the needs of the workers, and it should promote an inter-institutional debate on their social conditions and rights.

Amendment 98 #

Proposal for a decision
Recital 8 b (new)

(8b) This transformation must include urban transport, which is beginning to provide intelligent solutions, smart cities being one example.

Amendment 99 #