Today, EIM’s Technical Steering Group (TSG) elected as Chair Hans Menschaert, International Affairs Technical Manager of Belgian rail infrastructure manager Infrabel. He succeeds to Francisco José Contreras Martinez from the International Department at the Spanish rail Infrastructure Manager ADIF, who has been confirmed as deputy Chair by the TSG. 

EIM Executive Director Monika Heiming states: “I highly welcome the appointment of Hans Menschaert which reflects EIM’s commitment to ERTMS but also FRMCS. Both are important technologies to leverage the performance of rail infrastructure managers while creating the necessary digital layer for further innovation. I also thank the outgoing Chair, Francisco José Contreras Martinez from ADIF. He has shown remarkable commitment to EIM in providing a holistic view to the ongoing changes related to rail infrastructure and he will continue to do so as deputy Chair of the TSG.”

Hans Menschaert complements: “I thank EIM and the TSG for the confidence. I am keen to contribute to making rail infrastructure more efficient, sustainable, resilient and safe. After the preparation of the TSIs 2023 package and ahead of the TSI 2027 package, we need to bring ERTMS and FRMCS on a new level. This requires joint solutions, which I am keen to develop in a collaborative manner with the TSG and the EIM secretariat.”  

EIM’s TSG coordinates the contribution of the members in the technical field, to the European Union Agency for Railways and its working parties. The TSG also provides strategic input to EIM on specific technical matters. The TSG elects a chair from among its members for a period of 2 years who acts as the main contact of the EIM secretariat with the TSG.