Alstom challenges Belgian railway’s train order again

French train manufacturer Alstom, which operates a factory in Bruges, is not giving up its fight against a major order of new trains by Belgian state railway operator NMBS/SNCB. The Belgian Council of State will once again examine NMBS’s decision to award the multi-billion-euro contract to Spanish rival CAF.

Alstom confirmed on Monday that it is continuing legal action. “We are exercising our legal rights before the Council of State,” spokesperson Caroline Courtin told press agency Belga, without giving further details.

Back in February, NMBS had named CAF as preferred bidder for up to 600 new train units. But the Council of State suspended that decision, saying the process was not transparent enough. At the end of July, NMBS repeated its choice for CAF, saying recalculations still showed the Spanish company as the best candidate, ahead of Alstom and German competitor Siemens.

Railway operator SNCB confirms Spanish firm CAF as preferred bidder for major train order

The board of directors of Belgian state-owned railway operator SNCB/NMBS has reaffirmed Spanish train manufacturer CAF as its preferred bidder for...

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The contract is crucial for Belgium’s railway modernisation, aiming to replace ageing rolling stock and add at least 54,000 new seats by 2032.

Trade unions fear that losing the contract could threaten the future of Alstom’s Bruges site. On Monday, some employees briefly stopped work to demand clarity from management. Work resumed after explanations were given.

Union leader Pascal Van Hove (ABVV) stressed that workers are now waiting for the Council of State’s ruling. A hearing is scheduled for 29 August, with a decision expected a few weeks later.

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