Brussels: The 19th European Railway Award ceremony took place on 2 February 2026 and was jointly organised by the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) and the Union of European Railway Industries (UNIFE). During the event, held at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Brussels, awards were presented to individuals, organisations, and projects active in the field of rail transport in Europe.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Alexis Vafeades, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims of the railway accident in Spain. As noted in the statement, the event provided an opportunity to highlight discussions on the development of a safe and competitive railway system at the European level. CER and UNIFE operate in distinct but complementary areas, cooperating on issues related to regulation, innovation, and industrial policy, with the aim of advancing the Single European Railway Area and supporting the sector's transition towards sustainability and digitalisation.
The statement also refers to Cyprus' Presidency of the Council of the European Union, under the main motto 'An Autonomous Union, Open to the World', which, as noted, focuses on strengthening the EU's independence and competitiveness, while maintaining a commitment to openness, cooperation, and respect for international law.
With regard to the transport sector, the statement notes that discussions are focused on the creation of a stronger and better-connected European network, as well as on the role of transport in the single market, competitiveness, and the European Union's climate objectives.
Within the same context, the Minister expresses support for the European Commission's proposal on the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), as well as for the need for central coordination in the implementation of projects, with particular reference to cross-border infrastructure. The statement also underlines the importance of simplifying procedures, ensuring flexibility in the management of resources, and securing adequate funding for the improvement of the Trans-European Transport Network by 2035.
Particular reference is made to Military Mobility, which is described as a dual-use policy area, as well as to the need to adapt and upgrade infrastructure in order to meet new requirements. In this context, emphasis is also placed on the importance of digital interoperability and the implementation of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), with the aim of ensuring coordination and compatibility among national networks.
Finally, the Minister made special reference to the recipients of the Rail Champion and Trailblazer Awards, which recognise individuals and projects in the European rail sector, highlighting pioneering ideas and technological developments.