Enrico Letta recognized for his efforts to promote rail as key to European growth
The European Railway Award recognized Letta’s efforts to promote a connected European rail network as a pillar of the green and digital transition.
Enrico Letta, Dean at IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs, has received the 2025 European Railway Award, recognizing his contribution towards a Single European Railway Area as key to the future of European growth and prosperity.
Jointly organized by the European Rail Supply Industry Association (UNIFE) and the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), the 2025 edition of the European Railway Award took place on February 17 in Brussels under the theme ‘A new journey for Europe’s rail: From Inspiration to Realization’.
As part of the evening’s honors, Enrico Letta, former Italian Prime Minister and current Dean at IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs, received the Rail Champion Prize for his efforts to raise awareness of rail’s unique qualities, and to promote it as key to the future of European growth and prosperity.
Enrico Letta’s report to the Council of the European Union, ‘Much More Than a Market’ calls for the planning, funding, and implementation of high-speed rail to connect European capitals, which is a key pillar of the green and digital transitions.
The Award ceremony was attended by Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Dariusz Klimczak, Polish Minister of Infrastructure representing the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and Members of the European Parliament.
“I am honored to receive this Prize. A high-speed rail network connecting European capitals would immensely boost the EU competitiveness. The Single Market remains at the core of the EU integration process, and its completion is in the interest of European citizens”.
Enrico Letta upon receiving the Award
About the European Railway Award
The European Railway Award, jointly organized by the Association of the European Rail Supply Industry (UNIFE) and the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) celebrates the achievements of inspired individuals whose bright ideas, ingenious innovations and bold policy initiatives have contributed to enhance, grow, and strengthen rail today and for the future. First presented in 2007, the event attracts more than 500 guests each year from all over Europe, including high-level politicians and transport stakeholders. The award comes with prize money donated to charity. This year the Ukrainian Red Cross was selected to receive the €10,000 donation.