We, the European associations representing rail leasing companies (AERRL), passenger new entrants (ALLRAIL), and private and independent rail freight companies (ERFA), welcome the European Commission’s Military Mobility Package, presented in November 2025 by the European Commission and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, which proposes a comprehensive framework to facilitate the swift, coordinated and secure movement of military personnel and equipment across the European Union.

We also welcome the ongoing work at the European Parliament and its deliberation on the EC proposal for a Regulation on establishing a framework of measures to facilitate the transport of military equipment, goods and personnel across the Union (COM(2025) 847 final and 2025/0847 (COD)).

These latest initiative marks an important step towards strengthening Europe’s defence readiness and operational preparedness, including through smoother cross-border procedures and enhanced resilience of transport infrastructure.

Rail transport plays a central role in delivering these objectives. In this context, ALLRAIL, AERRL and ERFA underline the importance of ensuring that military mobility policies reinforce the performance, resilience and interoperability of the European rail system, while remaining fully consistent with the principles of the Single European Railway Area and the existing EU railway acquis.

Click here to read the full joint position paper.

About the signatories:

AERRL – the Association of European Rail Rolling Stock Lessors – represents the rolling stock lessors at European level, promoting interoperable, sustainable, efficient and safe passenger and cargo rolling stock transport for the European railways. www.aerrl.eu

ALLRAIL — the Alliance of Passenger Rail New Entrants — represents independent passenger operators active or seeking to operate open-access and public service obligation services across Europe along with other relevant independent companies in the rail sector. www.allrail.org

ERFA — the European Rail Freight Association — represents private and independent railway freight operators, advocating for a competitive and non-discriminatory Single European Railway Area. www.erfarail.eu