Institutional Relations

Participation in some of the most important international railway associations  

Renfe is an important member, and even founder, of some of the most important international railway associations, such as:

The International Union of Railways ((UIC)

International railway association based in Paris, to which more than 200 railway operators and infrastructure managers from all over the world belong, as well as other affiliated entities.

It is a technical platform where members jointly develop projects, studies, activities, exchanges and benchmarking studies, as well as standards documents called International Rail Solutions (IRS).

Renfe currently holds the presidency of the Global Passenger Forum, through the Director General of Development and Strategy, in addition to participating in associative areas, such as the General Assembly and the European Regional Assembly.

The International Rail Transport Committee ((CIT)

An international association based in Bern (Switzerland) that directly or indirectly brings together approximately 200 railway companies and maritime companies that provide international passenger and/or freight transport services.

Its purpose is practical transposition at enterprise level and uniform application of international rail transport law.

Renfe is currently a member of its Committee, on which the working groups and experts depend, through the deputy secretary general.

The Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies ((CER)

Brussels-based international association to which some 67 railway companies, infrastructure managers and rail vehicle leasing companies from the European Union, the candidate states, Switzerland, Norway and the Western Balkan countries belong.

It acts as a representative and influential body for the railway sector in Europe. It represents and defends the interests of its members before the European institutions, mainly: The European Commission, the EU Railway Agency, the European Parliament and the European Council.

For several terms, Renfe's Chairman was a member of the CER's Management Committee.

The International Association of Public Transport ((UITP)

International Association of Public Transport, based in Brussels, whose members from all over the world are public transport authorities of all modes; transport operators, suppliers and manufacturers, institutes, universities, associations, technology centres, etc.

The European Committee acts as a group of influence with the European institutions, in which Renfe is present through its head of the Renfe Office in Brussels.

The Latin American Railway Association ((ALAF)

Association made up of authorities, railway companies and industrial entities of the Latin American railway sector. It is headquartered in Buenos Aires and has offices in Guatemala, São Paulo and Madrid (at Renfe's own facilities). It has about 20 active members and more than 30 adherent members.

Renfe's International Relations Manager is ALAF's representative in Madrid.

International cooperation agreements Renfe's Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for the exchange of experience and knowledge have also been signed in more than 20 countries, including: Germany, Brazil, Chile, South Korea, Israel and Japan. For example, the company signed a cooperation agreement with Chile's State Railway Company (EFE) in 2023 as the starting point for future collaboration agreements. Therefore, Renfe will participate in the ambitious transformation of Chile's railway network, which is currently under way. The agreement contemplates collaboration in all aspects regarding railway operations, from drafting demand studies, to planning, design, marketing, management and operation of passenger and freight services. In addition, the document includes a first collaboration agreement, materialised in a passenger train rental contract.

Other projects

Leo Express In 2021, Renfe carried out the acquisition of 50% of the operator Leo Express following the share capital increase of the Czech company.
Maya Train Renfe will be the "shadow operator" of the contracting entity (the National Fund for the Promotion of Tourism).
Rail Baltica It has been awarded the contract to provide services as "shadow operator" of the Rail Baltica high-speed project, for the benefit of Latvia and Estonia.
Arenaways In November 2024, Renfe acquired 33% of Longitude Holding, an Italian company specialising in rail transport.
The development of Alta Velocidad (high-speed) in Saudi Arabia The Haramain Highspeed Railway project where Renfe has been working for more than a decade together with a dozen Spanish and local companies.
Ave to France Renfe Viajeros offers two international routes from Spain to France: Barcelona-Lyon and Madrid-Marseille. Whose solo operation marks a milestone for the company. Renfe has started these services in the summer of 2023 and its goal is to be able to extend the route to Paris in 2024.