NGOs Urge Belgian Rail Operator to Halt Train Deal with Controversial Spanish Manufacturer
A coalition of NGOs has urged Belgian train operator SNCB/NMBS to terminate negotiations with the Spanish manufacturer CAF over a multi-billion-euro order due to its activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, reports 24brussels.
The four groups, including 11.11.11, Vrede vzw, Al Haq Europe, and Intal, argue that CAF should be disqualified from the tender process for new trains since the company has been involved in the construction and maintenance of a tram line linking Jerusalem to illegal Israeli settlements since 2019.
According to the NGOs, CAF’s involvement not only raises ethical concerns but also contravenes international law. “You cannot sign a contract with a company that is deeply involved in occupation politics,” stated Willem Staes, a Middle East specialist at 11.11.11, during an interview with De Standaard.
The NGOs are currently intervening in ongoing proceedings before Belgium’s Council of State. Previously, both French and German manufacturers, Alstom and Siemens, contested the SNCB board’s decision to favor CAF as the preferred bidder.
The contract for the new AM30 trains is estimated to be worth at least €1.7 billion, with potential increases up to €3.4 billion. Alstom and Siemens have also submitted competing bids.
“You cannot sign a contract with a company that is deeply involved in occupation politics.”
It is uncommon for NGOs to engage in tender procedures in this manner. In a joint statement, they emphasized that this case could set an important precedent for holding public institutions accountable for their economic associations with companies implicated in grave breaches of international law.
Human rights organizations and politicians, including federal MP Staf Aerts of Groen, have previously condemned CAF for its operations related to Israeli projects in the occupied Palestinian territories.
In July, UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese included CAF in her report addressing companies that develop infrastructure vital for the establishment and expansion of Israeli settlements, while concurrently excluding and isolating Palestinians. She has now reiterated her call for SNCB to cease negotiations on the train contract.
The Council of State is set to hear the case next week, during which Alstom and Siemens will mainly contest the evaluation methods of the tender award, alongside discussions regarding CAF’s operations in the occupied territories.
Human Rights Violations
In related news, the Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund, the world’s largest, divested its shares in US construction equipment manufacturer Caterpillar, citing human rights violations in Gaza, AFP reports.
“There is no doubt that Caterpillar products are being used to commit widespread and systematic violations of international humanitarian law,” stated the fund in a recent announcement.
Bolstered by Norway’s substantial energy revenues, the fund’s worth approaches $2 trillion and was ranked among Caterpillar’s top 10 shareholders, holding 1.2% of its capital, valued at approximately $2.4 billion.
