Rhine-Alpine News
16.04.2025
Deutsche Bahn to cut ten thousand jobs following 2024 losses
Symbolic picture by Didgeman on Pixabay
Deutsche Bahn reported a loss of €1.77 billion in 2024, a 34.5 percent improvement from the previous year. The operating result (EBIT) was minus €333 million, compared to minus €2.18 billion in 2023. This improvement is primarily due to repayments from the federal government for infrastructure maintenance work completed in 2023 and 2024.
The logistics subsidiary DB Schenker will be sold to Danish freight forwarding group DSV in 2025, generating approximately €14.3 billion to reduce Deutsche Bahn’s high debt load. However, the freight division DB Cargo continues to report deep losses, with an operating loss (EBIT) of €357 million in 2024, representing an improvement of €140 million compared to the previous year.
If DB Cargo fails to return to profitability by the end of 2026, the rail freight subsidiary faces substantial repayments of state aid to the EU.
To achieve financial stability, Deutsche Bahn has divested itself of its most profitable division, DB Schenker, to DSV, which will generate approximately €14.3 billion. These funds will be used to reduce the group’s high debt. Deutsche Bahn is pursuing a comprehensive restructuring program that includes financial consolidation and infrastructure modernisation, with one key component being the reduction of 10,000 jobs by 2027, particularly in administration.
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Conference “S.E. Europe and CB Cooperation: Challenges – Perspectives”
Picture credit Artion.gr
Recently the conference titled “S.E. Europe and CB Cooperation: Challenges – Perspectives” was held by “HELICAS”, “AMPHICTYONY” and “EFXINI POLI” in Thessaloniki.
The conference aimed to review cross-border cooperation in Southeast Europe and the dominance of economic incentives in this area. Key issues discussed included governance and spatial planning in cross-border regions. The conference included representatives such as mayors, deputy mayors, municipal council members, municipal officials, university governing bodies, chambers of commerce, and administration, as well as non-profit organisations involved in territorial cooperation.
Dr. Cecilia Braun, Director of the Interregional Alliance for the Rhine-Alpine Corridor, presented on the importance of the EGTC Rhine-Alpine for cross-border cooperation, especially for rail and modal shift, highlighting its bottom-up approach. She also emphasised the unique role of the EGTC in the North Sea- Rhine-Mediterranean Corridor.
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International Road Transport Union 2024 Global Truck Driver Shortage Report
Symbolic picture by Andreas160578 on Pixabay
The International Road Transport Union (IRU) has released its 2024 report on the global shortage of truck drivers, revealing that 3.6 million positions remain unfilled in 36 countries, representing 70% of global GDP.
A widening age gap between young and older drivers, with young drivers under 25 making up 6.5% of the total driver workforce was revealed. However, the percentage of young truck drivers, compared to all drivers, fell by 5.8% from 2023 to 2024, despite the reverse trend observed in the overall workforces of the countries studied.
The report also highlights the increasing number of older drivers, with 31.6% of truck drivers over 55. Countries with high percentages of older drivers include Spain, Australia, and Italy. The average truck driver age globally has now crept up to 44.5. The report forecasts that 3.4 million truck drivers will retire in the countries studied over the next five years, with Europe as well as Australia and China being particularly affected.
It is suggested that governments should better integrate professional driver career pathways into educational systems, remove unrealistic age thresholds for training and qualification, and invest more in safe and well-equipped parking and rest areas.
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