by Alberto Mazzola, Executive Director, CER

It is the question European railways asked themselves last year when it became clear that, by the kickoff of the European Year of Rail in January 2021, the pandemic would still very much be with us - and would remain this way for some time.

Rail passenger operators suffered almost €25b in loss of turnover in 2020 (in EU 27), a year-on-year decrease of 42%, an estimated weekly loss of €470m.

The EU 27's rail freight industry lost almost €1.9b in turnover in 2020 (-12% yoy; €36m/week).

The first months of 2021 have not, so far, shown adequate signs of recovery.

The situation of the rail sector remains fragile.

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