European rail leaders gathered today for the General Assembly of the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) in Berlin, where they elected Christine Stockhammer-Kostelka as the organisation’s next Executive Director.
She will succeed Alberto Mazzola, who is concluding his mandate at CER at the end of the year after leading the association since 2021. Stockhammer-Kostelka will take up the role in January 2027, working closely with CER members to advance European railway interests.
Christine Stockhammer-Kostelka brings more than twenty years of experience in European affairs, railway policy, strategic communications and association governance. Since 2018, she has served as Head of EU & International Affairs at Austrian Federal Railways ÖBB, where she leads the company’s European strategy and engagement with EU institutions and stakeholders. In this role, she has been closely involved in CER’s strategic development, governance and key policy priorities. She previously headed external communications for the ÖBB Group. Prior to joining the railway sector, she held senior political and communications roles in Vienna and Brussels, including at the European Parliament. Christine holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Vienna and is a graduate of the College of Europe in Bruges.
As CER Executive Director, Stockhammer-Kostelka will represent the interests of CER members towards the European institutions and transport stakeholders. She will pursue the agenda set out in CER’s 2024 manifesto, solidifying railways’ place as a driver of sustainable connectivity, economic growth and European resilience.
CER Chair Alan Beroud, CEO of Polish State Railways PKP, said: “On behalf of the CER General Assembly, I warmly congratulate Christine Stockhammer-Kostelka on her election as CER’s next Executive Director. Her vast and varied experience and insight into European rail affairs will be a valuable asset as CER continues to represent its members at a decisive time for European transport. I look forward to working with her to ensure a smooth transition and continued strong engagement across the sector.” Alan Beroud also thanked Alberto Mazzola for his leadership: “Alberto Mazzola has led CER with exceptional commitment and energy. He has been a driving force for cooperation across the rail sector and with European decision-makers, strengthening CER’s role as a constructive interlocutor in Brussels. On behalf of all CER members, I thank him warmly for his dedicated service.”
Reflecting on his tenure, outgoing CER Executive Director Alberto Mazzola said: “It has been a great privilege to lead CER since 2021 and to represent a sector that is essential to Europe’s people, businesses and future. During this period, the European railway community has navigated a rapidly changing political and economic landscape while remaining united in its commitment to more attractive, sustainable and resilient mobility. I am deeply grateful to CER’s members, Chairs and colleagues, the CER team, for their trust, expertise and support. Together, we have strengthened rail’s voice in the European debate and kept investment, fair competition and a truly European railway system high on the political agenda. As I finish my mandate at CER, I do so with great confidence in the sector’s future. I warmly congratulate Christine and wish her every success in leading CER and its members into this next chapter.”
Incoming CER Executive Director Christine Stockhammer-Kostelka said: “I would like to thank CER Chair Alan Beroud and the members of CER for their trust. European rail connects people and places, links our economies and brings Europe closer together. With upcoming EU decisions on investment, competitiveness and transport policy set to shape the conditions for rail for years to come, CER has an important role to play in bringing together the interests of its members and translating them into clear and effective positions at European level. I look forward to working closely with our members, the Chair and the CER team to help write the next chapter for European rail and ensure that our sector speaks with a strong and united voice in European policymaking. I would also like to thank Alberto Mazzola for his important contribution to CER and to European rail over many years.”
Welcomed to Berlin with an opening address from German Parliamentary State Secretary Ulrich Lange, the General Assembly also elected two new full members of the CER Management Committee for the remainder of the 2026-2027 term: Gianpiero Strisciuglio, CEO of FS Italiane Group, and Henrik Dahlin, Chairman of Swedish rail operator association Tågföretagen and CEO of Green Cargo, who previously served as a consultative member of the CER Management Committee.
In other business, CER members endorsed the association’s input to the EU’s forthcoming High-Speed Rail Deal, setting out investment pathways for Europe’s future high-speed rail network. They also agreed a new CER position calling for simplification and acceleration of infrastructure projects and fixed sector priorities for the new Passenger Package. Members furthermore took stock of a newly commissioned study assessing current challenges in the European rail freight market, the findings of which will be disseminated soon.
(CER)
