Today, 28th April 2016, the European Parliament in mini-plenary approved the Technical Pillar of the Fourth Railway Package, following the previous agreement reached with the Council.EIM – the association representing the rail infrastructure managers in Europe – welcomes the final approval of the Technical Pillar and its chapters – the interoperability and safety directives and the regulation on the European Railway Agency (ERA).

The Technical Pillar is expected to bring profound changes to the way railways in Europe are constructed and operated and how rolling stock is authorised. In view of the aforementioned changes, EIM has already been carrying our preparatory work both in the EC task force for the implementation of the technical pillar and in the respective ERA working groups laying the ground work for the successful adoption of the full pillar in practice.

One item which deserves a high degree of attention from the rail infrastructure managers’ side is the new requirement to submit our ERTMS track-side tender document for a pre-assessment by ERA. A positive assessment of the Agency will be necessary prior to placing into service of the track-side ERTMS. EIM is committed to support ERA and the EC in drafting a cost effective, interoperability enhancing and safety ensuring EC recommendation for the ERTMS track-side pre-assessment process.

Following this further, ERA will assume new key responsibilities with regard to establishing and running daily activities, notably related to the One Stop Shop, the Board of Appeal, the Single Safety Certificate, Fees & Changes, Vehicle Authorisation and Spare Parts Coordination. All these activities will need resources on the ERA’s side. In addition, successful co-operation agreements with the wider railway sector will be crucial in order to achieve a successful implementation of the Package. Finally, EIM welcomes the openings made in terms of a safety culture which promotes an approach based on the no-blame principle and transparency.

EIM Executive Director Monika Heiming said: ‘’The final vote on the Technical Pillar of the 4th Railway Package represents a fundamental step forward in the completion of a Single European Railway Area. The removal of the technical barriers will help to build a more competitive, cohesive and less fragmented railway sector in Europe. A correct and swift implementation of the Technical Pillar will make rail a safer and more attractive mode of transport both for passengers and freight’’.