On 14th April, MEPs of the TRAN Committee displayed a clear political will to preserve the budget of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and ensure the respect of the Tran-European Transport Network (TEN-T) map.

In view of this week’s Transport Council and the debate it will hold on the 2015 Annual Growth Survey and transport policy’s contribution to EU Competitiveness, growth and jobs, the undersigned associations wish to address the EU Transport Ministers to voice their concerns on the way the Union is tackling transport infrastructure financing and development.

EIM believes that the European Railway Agency (ERA) must ensure the harmonized and interoperable deployment of ERTMS in the European Union. The authorization process shall happen without double checks or unnecessary costs being created for the railway sector.

Yesterday, 11th December 2014, the Conference of the Presidents at the European Parliament has given the green light to the set-up of a parliamentary Intergroup on long-term investment and reindustrialisation. EIM – the association representing European railway infrastructure managers – welcomes the creation of the Intergroup and looks forward to establishing a fruitful cooperation with all industry stakeholders and the MEPs who supported it.

Today, the General Assembly of EIM elected a new President, Mr Paul Plummer, Group Strategy Director of Network Rail (UK), who succeeds the outgoing President Mr Gunnar Malm, Director General of Trafikverket.

Today, the association of European Rail Infrastructure Managers (EIM) and the Conference of European Directors of Roads (CEDR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation between the two organisations.

Two of EIM’s members, High Speed 1 and Network Rail, received awards at the European Rail Congress for their continuous efforts in safety and sustainability.

On behalf of all rail infrastructure managers, EIM’s President Gunnar Malm warmly welcomes Mr Juncker’s ambitions. “I trust that Mr Juncker will work hard at putting the European single market back on track towards innovation, growth and competitiveness. We all especially welcome his ambition for an innovative and high performing transport system with a special focus also on infrastructure and its funding.”