Belgium lines up fresh €60m rescue for rail freight firm Lineas

Belgium is close to approving a new €60 million cash injection for rail freight company Lineas, according to L’Echo. The heavily loss-making group is struggling to stay afloat.

Lineas entered a confidential court-supervised restructuring two months ago after a €61 million emergency loan from the federal investment arm SFPIM proved insufficient. The company says it still needs around €40 million in extra funding and is holding talks with creditors and potential new investors.

The state is keen to avoid a collapse. Lineas carries almost 60 per cent of Belgium’s rail freight, and a failure could disrupt ports and industry while pushing more goods on to roads and raising emissions.

Under the plan, the federal government would provide €30 million, Flanders €20 million and Wallonia €10 million. An initial €20 million is due in the second quarter of 2026. The remainder would only be paid if no new private shareholder has joined by the end of that year.

European Commission approves Belgian loan for rail freight company Lineas

On Monday, the European Commission announced that it had approved an emergency loan of 61 million euros from Belgium to the private rail freight...

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Lineas must also submit a restructuring plan to the European Commission, which previously approved state aid on strict conditions. Any new support will again need EU clearance.

The company, which has lost more than €250 million in five years, is targeting break-even in 2027 after two restructurings. Its future ownership remains open. Options include a sale or a strategic partnership.

^{© BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS}