Despite signs of progress in 2024, Europe’s combined transport sector remains in a precarious position. A lack of route alternatives, intense infrastructure works, and a troubling shift back to road freight are raising concerns over the resilience of the continent’s north-south supply chain.
At this year’s Transport Logistic trade fair in Munich, key figures like Bernhard Kunz, Giuseppe Rizzi, and Andrea De Bernardi gathered to reflect on a year marked by both resilience and rising uncertainty. Their message was clear: while 2024 brought modest gains, the system is nowhere near stable.
Speaking at the “Fermerci Europa” forum during Transport Logistic 2025 in Munich, Giuseppe Rizzi, General Director of Fermerci, emphasized that intermodal freight is not just an option—it’s a strategic pillar for European and Italian logistics. “It’s the key to balancing competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience,” he said.
But optimism is clashing with operational reality. Persistent disruptions, many tied to infrastructure upgrades funded under the EU and Italy’s PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan), are testing the system. While RFI in Italy is effectively managing rail shutdowns through tight coordination with freight operators, similar cooperation is sorely lacking elsewhere in Europe. This disconnect, said Rizzi, jeopardizes international cargo corridors.
The uneven coordination among European infrastructure managers is a growing concern. Rizzi called for a synchronized approach to mitigate the impact of rail network interruptions, warning that without it, international freight traffic will face continued uncertainty. “We need real European coordination—not just words on paper,” he stated.
Another fault line lies in regulation. The proposed revision of the EU Combined Transport Directive is a step in the right direction, but Rizzi stressed that inconsistent implementation among member states threatens to undo recent infrastructure investments. Without regulatory harmony, the dream of a unified European rail space risks stalling.
Aid schemes for rail and intermodal transport are also in the spotlight. Rizzi pointed to the proposal allowing member states to bypass pre-approval for support measures as a necessary move. Otherwise, slow authorization timelines could derail progress. Italy’s own “Loco e Carri” decree, now defunded, is a cautionary tale.
Between 2021 and 2023, operators committed roughly €700 million toward 196 new locomotives and freight cars, expecting financial support. That funding has yet to materialize, leaving companies exposed. “Businesses acted on legal commitments and are now holding the bag,” Rizzi noted, underlining the real-world impact of policy paralysis.
To safeguard Europe’s freight future, Rizzi pressed for simple rules, legal clarity, and deep cooperation—not just in Italy, but across the entire continent.
Souece:Ilnautilus
