A functioning European railway system is not only essential for passengers and railway workers, it is also key to achieve the objectives of the European Green Deal. It is of the utmost importance to strengthen and expand rail accessibility for passengers across Europe. After two decades of railway liberalisation, it is time to reflect on best practices and failed approaches. What are the key elements of a well-functioning railway system? What do we need to get from Athens to Brussels in a short time with an affordable ticket? What is the experience of countries that have fully liberalised their railway systems?

As part of the discussion, we focused on the need to strengthen public passenger rail transport in order to achieve a mobility transformation that serves the interests of the European population and railway workers and contributes to the fight against the climate crisis.

Keynote speech:
Tim Engartner, Professor of Social Sciences, University of Cologne

Panel discussion:
MEP Karima Delli, Chair of TRAN Committee, European Parliament, Greens/EFA, tbc
Sandro Santamato, Head of Unit MOVE.C3, European Commission
Livia Spera, General Secretary, European Transport Workers' Federation ETF
Christian Wolmar, Journalist, Author and Labour Party Member, UK
Lukas Oberndorfer, Head of Department Climate, Environment and Transport, Chamber of Labour, Austria

Moderation:
Sabrina Ropp, Wiener Stadtwerke, Brussels Office