Celebrating green and digital leadership in rail: European Railway Awards 2024

Brussels, January 29, 2024 – Congratulations to Violeta Bulc for her outstanding leadership in promoting sustainability and digitalization within the rail sector, recognized at the European Railway Awards 2024 in Brussels. As former European Commissioner for Transport (2014-2019), Bulc’s commitment to environmentally friendly and competitive mobility solutions has made a significant impact.

Bulc’s statement, “When transport thrives, nobody notices. But when it stops, everyone notices and is up in the air,” highlights the critical role of resilient transport systems. Her leadership serves as an inspiration, particularly for women and young people in the industry, aligning with the goals of our campaign, Rail Freight: The Future is Ours.

Accelerating the green and digital transition

Addressing the industry’s skills shortage is needed to accelerating the green and digital transition. We see a growing interest in the rail sector among ambitious young professionals who prioritise sustainability and digitalization in their careers. This was evident in the group (see photograph) that joined us in Brussels for the European Railway Awards 2024 to honor Violeta Bulc. Through prioritising diversity, fostering innovation, and nurturing talent, we can confront mobility challenges and pave the way for a sustainable future. Because the future looks bright!

In the Photograph (Left to Right):

• Wietse Bruinsma (Rail Cargo Information Netherlands)
• Tonine Luken (Rail Talent 2023)
• Caroline Koiter (Director, Rail Cargo Information Netherlands)
• Andreas Matthä (CER Chair and CEO of ÖBB)
• Violeta Bulc (Former European Transport Commissioner and Winner Rail Champion prize)
• Alberto Mazzola (CER Executive Director)
• Isa Obdeijn (Routescanner / Port of Rotterdam)
• Matthew Harteveld (Rail Talent 2022)
• Marleen van de Kerkhof (Board Member at Rail Cargo information Netherlands)