The railway sector is full of bright ideas, ingenious innovation and bold policy initiatives devised to enhance, grow and strengthen the rail mode today and for the future. The European Railway Award, jointly organised by the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) and the Association of the European Rail Supply Industry (UNIFE), celebrates these achievements by recognising the inspired individuals behind them.

The Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the collective call of several EU countries for the development and financing of a truly European High-Speed Rail network celebrated at the 2026 European Railway Award

The winners were announced on 2 February at the 19th edition of the European Railway Award, held in Brussels.
Congratulations to our winners and warm thanks to all our speakers and guests.

Read more here about this year's ceremony.

More photos will be soon available on our website.

Background

First presented in 2007, the European Railway Award attracts more than 500 guests from all over Europe, including high-level politicians and transport stakeholders.

The award comes with prize money, donated to a charity organisation of the laureate’s choice.

The jury for the European Railway Award consists of railway and rail industry CEOs, EU-level political decision makers, past winners and selected journalists. They consider the nominees and select a winner through a vote.

In previous years, the European Railway Award was divided into a technical category and a political category. These were combined in 2018 to award a single outstanding winner, now our 'Rail Trailblazer'. Alongside this prize, the European Railway Award's 'Rail Champion' title is an honorary recognition jointly bestowed by the organisers.