The European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved a €300 million loan to České dráhy, the Czech Republic's national railway operator, to enhance and modernize its fleet and infrastructure. This funding will facilitate the acquisition of 180 passenger coaches and 20 electric locomotives, as well as the retrofitting of 219 existing units with the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). EIB Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris emphasized the project's alignment with sustainable transport initiatives, stating, "By modernizing the rolling stock of České dráhy, we are not only enhancing the safety and efficiency of rail services but also advancing the EU’s climate-action goals." This investment builds upon a longstanding collaboration between the EIB and České dráhy, with the EIB committing €880 million to Czech rail projects in the previous year alone. Lukáš Svoboda, Member of the Board of Directors and Deputy Director General of ČD for Economics and Purchasing, highlighted the benefits for passengers: "We are using the funds obtained in this way primarily for improvement of the quality of long-distance trains, including the acquisition of the most modern ComfortJet trainsets, which will run on the lines interconnecting Prague with Germany, Austria, Slovakia or Hungary, as well as for equipment of other vehicles with the on-board part of the European Train Control System (ETCS)." The implementation of ERTMS is expected to enhance safety and interoperability across the European rail network, benefiting both regional and cross-border services. Additionally, the project aims to reduce emissions and energy consumption, contributing to the EU's climate action objectives. Beyond environmental advantages, the modernization is projected to create approximately 160 permanent jobs, including positions for train drivers, accompanying staff, and maintenance personnel. The initiative also supports economic and social cohesion by improving mobility in less-developed regions and strengthening connections to other EU countries. This EIB loan complements grants from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), an EU funding instrument aimed at promoting growth, jobs, and competitiveness through targeted infrastructure investments.