Railpol - European Association of Railway Police Forces

31/08/2026

Happy Constitution Day, Slovakia! 🇸🇰

On 1 September, Slovakia celebrates Deň Ústavy Slovenskej republiky – the Constitution Day of the Slovak Republic.

Railways play an important role in connecting people, regions and economies across Slovakia and Europe.

🚆 87% passenger punctuality
⚡ 44% of the railway network electrified
📦 30.1% rail share in freight transport

These figures highlight different aspects of Slovakia’s railway system – from passenger services and electrified infrastructure to the important role of rail freight.

The picture from Bratislava hlavná stanica adds another dimension: Slovak and Austrian rail transport side by side – a visible reminder of how European railways connect countries and communities every day.

For RAILPOL, these connections also underline the importance of cross-border cooperation, information exchange and close partnerships between railway police and other relevant authorities. Together, we (Railpol) work to help keep Europe’s railways safe and secure.

On Slovakia’s Constitution Day, we extend our best wishes to our Slovak colleagues and partners.

Všetko najlepšie ku Dňu Ústavy Slovenskej republiky! 🇸🇰

Connected by rail. United by cooperation.

19/08/2026

🇭🇺 Warmest wishes to Hungary on the occasion of its National Day!

Today, 20 August, Hungary celebrates Saint Stephen’s Day – its National Day and a day deeply rooted in the country’s history, identity and European heritage.

At the heart of Europe, Hungary also plays an important role in connecting the continent by rail. With around 7,400 km of railway network, direct rail connections to 11 countries, and a significant share of international transit freight, Hungary is an important link in Europe’s interconnected railway system.

Budapest further underlines this role: with around 484 km of railway network per 1,000 km², it ranks among the EU regions with the highest railway network density.

For RAILPOL, European connectivity also means shared responsibility. Safe and secure rail transport across borders depends on strong cooperation, mutual trust and close coordination between railway police organisations throughout Europe.

RAILPOL is proud of its strong and longstanding partnership with the Hungarian National Police – Rendőrség. Our close cooperation reflects the importance of international police collaboration in protecting passengers, railway infrastructure and cross-border rail transport.

On this special day, RAILPOL sends its warmest wishes to our Hungarian colleagues, partners and friends.

May Hungary continue to connect people, nations and Europe – by rail and through cooperation.

Boldog Szent István napot, Magyarország! 🇭🇺

05/08/2026

🚉 Safe stations. Secure journeys.

Train stations are far more than places to catch a train—they are gateways that connect people, communities, and opportunities.

Every day, millions of passengers begin and end their journeys in stations that serve as hubs of mobility, commerce, and social interaction. They are places where families reunite, commuters travel to work, tourists discover new destinations, and international connections come to life.

For railway police, these vibrant transport hubs represent both a responsibility and a commitment. The mission of RAILPOL is to help ensure that everyone can travel safely, confidently, and without disruption. Through visible policing, close cooperation with railway operators and partners, and a constant focus on prevention, we work to protect passengers, staff, and critical railway infrastructure.

A safe station is more than a secure building—it is the foundation of public confidence in rail transport. Together, we help keep Europe’s railways moving safely, every single day.

The European Union had more than 27,000 passenger railway stations. 281 are classified as large stations, serving more than 25,000 passengers per day (Source: Register of Infrastructure ERA and Rail Market Monitoring Scheme EU)

01/08/2026

🇨🇭 Happy Swiss National Day! 🇨🇭

Today, RAILPOL proudly celebrates Swiss National Day and extends its heartfelt congratulations to our Swiss colleagues and partners from Transport Police and Fed Office Customs/Border Security.

Switzerland is home to one of the world’s most modern railway systems—a network admired for its innovation, reliability, and outstanding precision. Like the famous Swiss clockwork, every connection reflects a commitment to excellence, ensuring that millions of passengers travel safely, efficiently, and with confidence every day.

But Switzerland’s contribution goes far beyond its borders. As a country that plays a key role in establishing uniform standards in the railway industry, it continues to shape the future of European rail transport through innovation, interoperability, and strong international cooperation.

These shared values also define the partnership within the RAILPOL network. Together, we strengthen railway security, protect critical transport infrastructure, and help ensure that Europe’s railways remain safe, resilient, and connected.

To our Swiss friends and partners: thank you for your commitment, your professionalism, and your valued cooperation.

We wish you and everyone across Switzerland a joyful and memorable National Day.

Happy Swiss National Day! 🇨🇭

31/07/2026

Handover completed successfully

As part of the transition to the new RAILPOL Presidency, a formal handover meeting of the Management Team was held between the outgoing French management and the incoming management of the German Federal Police.

The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss ongoing activities, address open questions, and review final organisational details to ensure a seamless transition. Participants exchanged views on current communication priorities and reaffirmed their shared commitment to effective cooperation within the RAILPOL network.

The discussions were conducted in a professional, constructive, and collaborative atmosphere, reflecting the strong partnership and mutual trust that underpin international law enforcement cooperation.

RAILPOL extends its sincere appreciation to the French management for its dedicated leadership and valuable contribution to the network. The German Federal Police looks forward to building on this successful cooperation during its Presidency.

27/07/2026

No Place for Terrorism

Terrorism seeks to spread fear, undermine public confidence, and disrupt the peaceful functioning of our societies. We must not allow those responsible to achieve that objective.

While the possibility of becoming the victim of a terrorist attack in Europe remains extremely low, every attack is a tragedy, and every victim is one too many.

By comparison, the risk of losing one's life in a road traffic collision is significantly higher. Yet, despite these risks, millions of people continue to travel safely every day by train, bus, car, bicycle, and other forms of transport, and they continue to go about their daily lives with confidence.

Terrorist attacks are often sudden and difficult to predict. They frequently target public spaces in an attempt to create widespread fear and uncertainty. However, Europe benefits from comprehensive security arrangements. Intelligence services, law enforcement agencies, and international police cooperation work closely together every day to detect, prevent, and disrupt terrorist activities. Many planned attacks are successfully prevented before they can be carried out.

We are deeply saddened by this terrorist attack. Our heartfelt condolences go to the victims, their families, and everyone affected during this difficult time.

We express our sincere appreciation to the police, emergency services, medical personnel, and all first responders for their courage, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to protecting lives and supporting those in need.

Terrorism will not prevail over our shared values, our cooperation, or our commitment to public safety. Through vigilance, resilience, and international cooperation, we remain united in safeguarding our communities.

22/07/2026

💡 Kick-off Meeting: RAILPOL Working Group Research & Innovation 🇪🇺 🚉

This week marked the official launch of our new Research & Innovation Working Group, bringing together police experts and partners committed to shaping the future of railway policing and security.

During our online kick-off meeting, participants exchanged ideas, identified key priorities, and laid the foundation for future collaboration. By combining research, innovation, and operational expertise, the working group aims to develop forward-looking solutions that strengthen the safety, security, and resilience of the railway sector across Europe and our partners.

This is just the beginning. Together, we will explore emerging technologies, share best practices, and promote innovative approaches to address current and future challenges in railway security.

A sincere thank you our new chair from the Portugiese Polícia de Segurança Pública who joined this meeting and contributed to this exciting first step. We look forward to working together and turning ideas into action.

!!!Save the date: First WG meeting will be held in Potsdam on 3rd November 2026!!!

🇪🇺

21/07/2026

Happy National Day, Belgium! 🇧🇪

Today, we celebrate Belgium’s National Day and extend our warmest congratulations to the Belgian people.

As a country at the heart of Europe, Belgium is known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and strong commitment to international cooperation. We also recognize the dedication of the Federal Police, whose professionalism contributes to the safety and security of citizens and touristes alike. Thanks you very much Belgium, for being a long-standing member of RAILPOL.

Happy National Day, Belgium! 🇧🇪

19/07/2026

🇪🇸🏆🇦🇷 FIFA World Cup 2026 – The Final

Tomorrow, Spain and Argentina will compete for football’s greatest prize.

Both nations have written their own remarkable football history.

🇪🇸 Spain�⚽ FIFA World Cup Champion (2010)�🏆 Four-time UEFA European Champion�⚽ Renowned for technical excellence, possession football and continuous innovation.

🇦🇷 Argentina�⚽ Three-time FIFA World Cup Champion (1978, 1986, 2022)�🏆 16-time Copa América winner�⚽ A nation defined by passion, talent and generations of world-class players.

On the pitch, only one team will lift the trophy.

On the railway, however, both countries share the same ambition: making rail transport safer through innovation.

Spain’s high-speed rail network is among the world’s most advanced, combining ETCS, continuous train supervision and state-of-the-art signalling to minimise operational risks.

Argentina continues to modernise its railway system through infrastructure renewal, digital signalling, improved level crossing protection and the deployment of modern rolling stock, placing safety at the centre of future development.

Despite their different rail networks, both countries demonstrate the same principle:

Modern technology does not only improve efficiency – it prevents accidents before they happen.

This is exactly the objective of the RAILPOL Working Group Railway Accidents.

By analysing incidents, identifying emerging risks and sharing operational experience across Europe, the Working Group contributes to safer railway systems. Every lesson learned, every innovation adopted and every best practice exchanged helps reduce accidents and protects passengers, railway staff and police officers alike.

Because the safest accident is the one that never happens.

Tomorrow, the world will celebrate football.

Every day, Europe’s railway community works together to make rail travel safer.

Innovation saves lives. Cooperation makes it possible.

18/07/2026

RAILPOL want an emoji with a train!

It's .

No words allowed, only emojis.

Tell us what being European means to you. 👇