COI Report and Elisabeth Borne's Announcement: Recognition of the Rail Sector's Key Role

Following the submission of the COI report, FIF welcomes Elisabeth Borne's key announcement to prioritise the rail sector. This position responds to the warnings that FIF had issued during the presidential campaign, calling for a major commitment over the duration of the presidential term, of €50 billion, for the regeneration and modernisation of our French rail system. FIF notes with the greatest satisfaction that by retaining the ecological transition scenario of the COI report, which corresponds to the necessary climate urgency, the Prime Minister has chosen to prioritise investment in rail. It is indeed essential that this funding arrive quickly to prevent the deterioration of our network, but also to preserve our French technological and industrial lead in the highly competitive world of rail. FIF hopes fervently that the amounts announced this morning will translate as early as 2023 into budgetary decisions, and to do so sustainably, since rail is a long-term industry. These financial decisions must make it possible to launch as soon as possible the most urgent projects that our fellow citizens are waiting for. While Louis Nègre, Chairman of FIF, welcomes the priority given to rail, a sector strategic for the French economy, he stresses that this ambition must be matched by medium- to long-term visibility for manufacturers and all the players involved. He also approves of the method advocated by the Prime Minister, which is to work with all stakeholders. Only a shared programme will guarantee the success of the projects to be undertaken. As such, FIF is mobilised to support the implementation of the various projects to come. FIF believes that the decisions announced by Elisabeth Borne will help strengthen the French rail industry, support its role as an international leader and an exporting industry. Given the essential fight against climate change and the necessary decarbonisation of our transport modes, the rail industry is an industry of the future. FIF also wishes to stress the importance of continuing efforts in research and innovation, to improve the performance and efficiency of rail transport, thereby making a concrete contribution to the ecological transition. In conclusion, FIF commends this unprecedented financial effort for the sector. The association and its members are convinced that the development of rail is a key to the future of our economy, our environment and our health. COI Report and Elisabeth Borne's Announcement: Recognition of the Rail Sector's Key Role PRESS RELEASE 24 February 2023 PRESS RELEASE Marine Latombe Communications Manager Email : mlatombe@fif.asso.fr Téléphone : 01.50.63.83.60 Portable : 06 59. 40.33. 96 Press Contact: For further information, please visit our website: http://fif.asso.fr/ Find us also on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/industries-ferroviaires/ or on Twitter: @IndustrieFerro 60 rue Anatole France - 92300 Levallois-Perret l 01 55 63 83 60 l www.fif.asso.fr performance of the rail industrial sector promotion of rail transport performance of the rail system in France About FIF FIF, the French Railway Industry Association, is an employers' organisation bringing together rail industry professionals, from large groups to SMEs. FIF's strategy mainly aims to help bring about improvements in, on the one hand, the regulatory and technical environment, and on the other hand, the operating conditions of the profession. This strategy is built around three complementary areas: Member companies cover the entire rail industrial sector: rolling stock manufacturers, equipment suppliers, track and signalling industries, systems integrators, maintenance and repair.