SNCB/NMBS to decide on multi-billion euro train order on 23 July

9 July 2025

On 23 July, Belgium’s state railway operator SNCB/NMBS is set to decide whether to finalise a multi-billion-euro contract for hundreds of new train sets with Spanish manufacturer CAF. The announcement was made by Mobility minister Jean-Luc Crucke (Les Engagés) during a parliamentary committee session on Wednesday.

The procurement process has sparked considerable controversy. Based on technical and financial criteria, SNCB/NMBS chose to hold exclusive negotiations with the Spanish manufacturer CAF, thereby excluding competitors Siemens and Alstom.

SNCB sticks with Spanish train manufacturer despite objections

Belgian railway company SNCB/NMBS is again proposing Spanish manufacturer CAF as its preferred bidder for a train order worth between 1.7 and 3.4...

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Belgian trade unions, particularly those representing Alstom staff, have warned that this decision could have fatal consequences for the company's Bruges plant, which employs several hundred people. Politicians from across the political spectrum have criticised the decision, questioning why local employment was not given greater consideration.

The original ranking of the candidates has been explicitly confirmed

At the Committee on Mobility, State-Owned Enterprises and Federal Institutions, Crucke reiterated that SNCB/NMBS acts independently in this regard. The company revised its evaluation following transparency issues raised by the Council of State. “The original ranking of the candidates has been explicitly confirmed,” said Crucke, adding that an independent legal review and a technical audit had validated the decision of the management team.

EU rules

The minister stressed that EU public procurement rules prohibit preferential treatment of domestic production. "A timely decision on fleet renewal is crucial," he said, referring to obligations under Belgium's public service contract with NMBS. These include replacing half of the train fleet, increasing service capacity by 10%, and boosting passenger numbers by 30% by 2032.

"Any delays to this order would make those targets unachievable," warned Crucke. Restarting the procurement process could cause delays of "months and likely years", which would seriously affect service quality. Older trains would need to remain in service for longer, resulting in reduced punctuality, more breakdowns and cancellations, and a shortage of 14,000 seats.

SNCB/NMBS estimates that a two-year delay would result in an additional €170–200 million in maintenance costs to ensure the safety, reliability, and availability of the current fleet.

^{© BELGA PHOTO HATIM KAGHAT}

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