Rhine-Alpine News
21.05.2025
Recap of Bahn25 Congress in Basel
Picture by BVD (Bau- und Verkehrsdepartement)
On Friday, 16th of May, more than 30 speakers provided important impetus at Bahn25, including Prof. Pawel Wojciechowski, EU Coordinator for the North Sea-Rhine-Mediterranean Corridor, Jörg Stephan, Head of the Freight Transport Division at the German Ministry of Transport, Christa Hostettler, Director of the Federal Office of Transport (Switzerland), and Vincent Ducrot, CEO of Swiss Federal Railways.
Top managers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland represented the railways and the logistics industry. Four cantonal councillors and eight members of the National Council and Council of States from across Switzerland highlighted the importance of freight rail as the backbone of logistics and supply in Switzerland and Europe. The partner regions of Ticino and Valais promoted their key role in transalpine rail freight transport.
The next national rail congress, Bahn26, entitled ‘Where is Switzerland heading?’ will take place on 16 April 2026 in Basel. The focus will be on the possible reorientation of Swiss transport policy following the rejection of the motorway proposal in November 2024 and the current increase in cost estimates for the expansion of the rail infrastructure. Bahn26 will highlight the need to tackle transport challenges and outline possible approaches.
The event is being organised by the cantons of Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft, the Basel Chamber of Commerce (HKBB), SBB and Trireno.
Source(in German):
Study suggests logistics depots might be key to electrifying HGV transport
Symbolic Picture by NetzeBW on Unsplash
A recent analysis by Fraunhofer ISI and the Öko-Institut on behalf of Transport & Environment (T&E) suggests that the electrification of regional road freight transport in Germany could progress much faster if the expansion of charging infrastructure in logistics depots is specifically promoted. E-trucks are already technically capable of covering distances of up to 150 kilometers, especially if they can be charged regularly at depots. However, small and medium-sized transport companies in Germany are struggling with the high initial investment in charging infrastructure and vehicles, as well as long lead times for grid connection. The study authors recommend targeted support for these companies, including straightforward subsidy programs focusing on grid connections and charging points.
Other European countries, such as Spain and France, have shown successful approaches to implementing charging infrastructure. However, grid expansion in Germany has not kept pace with the growing energy demand from electric commercial vehicles, and the study suggests that bidirectional charging could generate additional income by feeding energy back into the grid during long periods of inactivity at night.
Sources (in German):
ESPON territorial research conference: “New research avenues for territorial development and cohesion in Europe”
The online ESPON territorial research conference on June 4th starts at 09.30h CET and aims to explore new research avenues for territorial development and cohesion in Europe based on global developments.
The conference will focus on political distrust, evidence-based governance, and public trust in science. Researchers will discuss new ideas, evidence, and research avenues that have not been addressed within the ESPON 2030 Programme, which could support policymakers at all levels across Europe with science-based evidence on territorial development and cohesion.
The event will take place in a film studio in Brussels, with online interaction with speakers. It will be streamed, recorded, and published on the ESPON website and YouTube.
The programme and registration can be accessed on ESPON’s website by clicking here