FIF AND VDB LAUNCH JOINT WORKING GROUPS

Digitalisation, which will address issues concerning automation, cybersecurity, maintenance, standardisation and normalisation, such as modularisation at European level. Sustainability, with a focus on decarbonisation, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and climate-friendly public procurement. International competition, which includes competition, the global market, lobbying at European level, contract execution conditions, and IPI. Job attractiveness and training Following on from the signing of the partnership between the German Railway Industry Association (VDB) and FIF last September at the Innotrans trade fair in Berlin, FIF is now hosting its German counterparts at SIFER in Lille with the aim of defining common key themes on which the two associations will strengthen their cooperation. The joint areas of cooperation identified will be as follows: Each central theme is to be developed by working groups made up of members from both organisations. The aim is to work together, pooling the information, expertise and efforts of both countries, in order to find innovative and effective solutions for the railway industry in Europe. The first concrete outcome of this alliance was Sarah Stark's participation in a round table on railway recovery plans in Europe and decarbonisation, organised by FIF as part of SIFER. This round table provided an opportunity to discuss the challenges facing the railway industry in Europe, as well as the opportunities offered by the ecological transition for more sustainable mobility. « We are winning more passengers and more freight onto the rails through attractive offers. More numerous and enthusiastic customers strengthen sustainable mobility. For attractive rail transport, lines and vehicles must be digitalised across Europe. Thanks to innovative propulsion technologies, we are closing the gaps in network electrification. Public tenders that reward the best bidders drive sustainable innovation. This is how we will succeed in transforming the sector and decarbonising transport », Stark emphasised. FIF and VDB are convinced that these new working groups and the partnership will help strengthen the railway industry in Europe, making it more efficient, safer and more environmentally friendly. « We are looking forward to working together to advance our industry and rail » stated FIF's Managing Director, Igor Bilimoff. Louis Nègre, Chairman of FIF, emphasised: « The European railway industry is a global leader. Our collaboration will allow manufacturers to gain visibility and to jointly deliver shared solutions to the major upcoming challenges of the railway industry, such as CSR, attractiveness, financing and many others. ». PRESS RELEASE FIF AND VDB LAUNCH JOINT WORKING GROUPS Levallois-Perret, 3 April 2023 PRESS RELEASE Marine Latombe Communications Manager Email: mlatombe@fif.asso.fr Phone: 01.50.63.83.60 Mobile: 06 59. 40.33. 96 Press contact: 60 rue Anatole France - 92300 Levallois-Perret l 01 55 63 83 60 l www.fif.asso.fr performance of the railway industrial sector promotion of rail transport performance of the railway system in France About FIF FIF, the French Railway Industry Association, is an employers' organisation bringing together railway industry professionals, from large groups to SMEs. FIF's strategy mainly aims to contribute to improvements concerning, on the one hand, the regulatory and technical environment, and on the other, the operating conditions of the Profession. This strategy is built around three complementary areas: Member companies cover the entire railway industrial sector: rolling stock manufacturers, equipment suppliers, track and signalling industries, systems integrators, maintenance and repair.