Farewell and thank you, Mr Waringo

This year’s statutory renewal of the CFL Board of Directors was marked by a change in presidency with the departure of Jeannot Waringo. The establishment of the new Board on 15 June 2026 provided an opportunity to pay tribute to this longstanding champion of the railways and of the country, to whom the title of Honorary Chairman of the CFL was awarded.

Nearly half a century in the service of the CFL. Before assuming the presidency for the first time in 1997, Jeannot Waringo had already served on the CFL Board of Directors for twelve years. He had in fact been involved since 1979 in various committees within the railway company, alongside his previous professional responsibilities within the State.

“Jeannot Waringo has always been deeply committed to our CFL. He has consistently known how to convince his interlocutors with respect, thanks to in-depth expertise, strong powers of persuasion and a resolute forward-looking commitment,” underlines Marc Wengler, Chief Executive Officer of the CFL, who worked with Mr Waringo for 24 years. “I can only thank Jeannot and express my profound esteem for his unwavering dedication. More than a chairman, he is a true railwayman who concludes his mission with the CFL.”

Modernisation and transformation at every level

It is difficult to summarise in just a few lines 29 years of leadership during which the CFL evolved from an ageing public undertaking into a modern transport group.

One of the main challenges was the implementation of the liberalisation of the railway sector launched by the European Union, with a bold step: the creation of CFL cargo in 2006. At the time, few believed in maintaining a rail freight entity. Today, it is clear that the CFL’s freight activities are recognised both in Luxembourg and across Europe.

The modernisation of the rail network and rolling stock fleet has been another major challenge for the CFL Board of Directors to anticipate growing demand. Notable examples include the new line between Luxembourg and Bettembourg, scheduled for completion in autumn 2027, the station investment programme, and, more recently, the commissioning of the new Coradia trains.

Safety also played a central role during the Waringo years: in 2017, Luxembourg became the first country in Europe to equip its entire rail network with the ETCS (European Train Control System), thereby enhancing the safety of railway operations.

As former Director of the General Inspectorate of Finance, Jeannot Waringo paid particular attention to the rigorous management of public funds. There is no doubt that he will continue to follow developments in the railway sector with a keen and passionate eye. Once a railwayman, always a railwayman. Fair winds and thank you, Mr Waringo!

All the best and thank you, Mr Waringo!

Jean-Paul Lickes, the new President of the Board of Directors of the CFL Group

Jean-Paul Lickes, who has been Vice-President of the CFL Board of Directors since 25 November 2024, was elected President on 15 June 2026. The change of presidency was announced to the press during the presentation of the CFL’s 2025 Annual Report.