European Parliament
Roberta Angelilli  (PPE ).
(IT)
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I agree with Ms Serracchiani on ensuring financial transparency and the separation of accounts between rail transport companies and rail network managers, and then liberalising rail services to achieve a truly open and competitive market with better and more extensive freight and passenger transport services.
The rail system still cannot match other means of transport, partly because many Member States have neglected railway funding. We should consider the fact that freight transport by road has risen to 45.9%, with a resulting increase in traffic and, of course, in road accidents as well. The fact is that lorries can cross borders without difficulty, whereas trains encounter technical and legal obstacles that have to be removed. In conclusion, we should ensure fair and non-discriminatory access to the market, while planning investment to modernise and create quality infrastructure and services.

