German Transport Minister Steffen Bilger (CDU) and his Dutch counterpart, Annet Bertram, have announced a deepening of cooperation between the two countries regarding rail transport. The two politicians signed a joint statement on Tuesday to formalize these enhanced efforts.
The Federal Ministry of Transport stated that a key goal is to strengthen intermodal competitiveness by harmonizing various technical standards within the rail transport sector. To implement this statement, an annual Steering Committee will be established. This committee will comprise high-ranking representatives from both signatory nations, along with representatives from the railway sector and other relevant government institutions.
Minister Bilger expects the signing to further cement “the traditionally friendly and close relationship between the two countries.” He highlighted the potential benefits of this partnership, emphasizing the opportunities for “climate-friendly mobility, robust supply chains, and a more interconnected Europe.” Furthermore, specific routes, such as the “Friesenbrücke” and the “Wunderlinie,” are slated to be reinstated.
Meanwhile, the Dutch Minister stressed that strong railway connections hold significance from a broader European perspective, benefiting both passenger and freight transport. Bertram noted that the “Betuweroute,” for instance, is “crucially important for both European competitiveness and military mobility within Europe, as it allows access to the European hinterland.”
Minister Bertram added that this restructuring places German-Dutch rail cooperation on a firmly institutionalized basis at the ministerial leadership level. This new format will effectively replace the various informal bilateral meetings that have taken place in the past.
