Opinion piece by UIP: Clean Industry needs clean rail-driven logistics

Is the “Clean Industrial Deal” a real plan, or just a strategy on paper?

One year ago, Europe promised a green industrial revolution. We’ve talked about hydrogen, manufacturing, and circularity—but we’ve forgotten the wheels that move it all.

The “Why” is clear:

• 80% fewer emissions than road transport.
• One train replaces 50 trucks on our roads.
• €2 billion in annual private investment from wagon keepers alone

The “But” is frustrating: Rail still only handles 17% of EU inland freight. Why? Because regulatory fragmentation and unilateral national rules are putting the brakes on a seamless Europe.

We don’t need more declarations. We need delivery.

Read our full opinion piece by UIP General Secretary Gilles Peterhans to the right of this page to find out why the tracks are ready, but the policy isn’t.