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Parliamentary question - P-006798/2014Parliamentary question
P-006798/2014

Rail network closures

Question for written answer P-006798-14
to the Commission
Rule 130
Marian-Jean Marinescu (PPE)

Rail transport has the lowest environmental and noise impact and offers the best ratio of raw material use among land transport modes, while also making a positive budget contribution. However, there is a trend in some Member States to reduce the density of the rail network, with negative economic, social and environmental consequences.

Such closures undermine the principle of territoriality, under which citizens and businesses should be connected to the greatest possible extent to the rail network.

Romania has decided to close down 4 000 km of its rail network, at a time when it should be supporting rail accessibility as a means of furthering economic, social and territorial development and the mobility of citizens.

Is this decision on rail closures in line with the EU’s sustainable transport agenda and emissions targets?

The EU’s aim is to develop the rail network across Europe so as to facilitate east-west links, and it is dedicating a large part of the TEN-T budget to rail. Romania is investing heavily in road infrastructure and subsidising road transport while rail remains underfinanced. Romania’s commitment to connecting its rail network with the rest of Europe is diminished, and the reduction of the rail network in Romania could set a precedent for the entire EU.

What can the Commission do to prevent this?