![Rail improvement from Okučani to Novska, Croatia](https://transport.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_medium_no_crop/public/media_avportal_thumbnails/yqvuyv3XNhK1xZP7CXXBkUNqUSRSXTal5KFABRODNk0.jpg?itok=It1FC1na)
Over the last 25 years, the Commission has been proactive in proposing changes to Europe's rail transport market to strengthen rail vis-à-vis other transport modes. Efforts have targeted three areas crucial for a strong and competitive rail industry:
- opening the rail transport market to competition;
- improving interoperability and safety;
- developing rail infrastructure.
![Holidays during the coronavirus pandemic](/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/avportal/P-044227/00-08.jpg?itok=ciCNpqRI)
Creating a Single European Railway Area
![European Union Capitals - Riga, Latvia](/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/avportal/P-046949/00-69.jpg?itok=ILF63k8X)
Connecting Europe by rail
![Departure ceremony of the Connecting Europe Express train at Lisbon Oriente Station](/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/avportal/P-051722/00-11.jpg?itok=vp4YSIPl)
Opening national markets for more competitive and efficient rail
![Train travel](/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/avportal/P-047684/00-41.jpg?itok=HnoeDCYI)
Ensuring safe travel across borders
![Transport 2001](/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/avportal/P-008295/00-6.jpg?itok=6br5WyuE)
The European Rail Traffic Management System
![Aerial views of roads and railway tracks](/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/avportal/P-045988/00-04.jpg?itok=egBQ665t)
Reducing noise emissions
![Aerial views of European Union Capitals - Riga, Latvia](/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/avportal/P-051267/00-18.jpg?itok=11P-H_jV)
Driving innovation in the rail sector
![Migrants at the day care center Jules Ferry, Calais](/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/avportal/P-028943/00-17.jpg?itok=G8qOhWYr)
Cooperating with international partners
![From Europe to European Union](https://transport.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_medium_no_crop/public/media_avportal_thumbnails/5swI-fUFkgB7lURJbtymsxE1_ReChBr0Y0_lsRcj36A.jpg?itok=gzqFMsMb)
The Commission's 2021 Action Plan presents the key measures needed to remove the obstacles hindering long-distance and cross-border passenger rail services.
Doing so will make rail a more attractive transport option.
News
The award, divided into three categories, aims to promote fairness, diversity, and equality, and to celebrate outstanding and inspiring women and their achievements in the rail sector.
This April, the European Commission, together with Europe’s Rail, the European Union Agency for Railways, CER, UNIFE and ALE will launch the next edition of the EU Women in Rail Awards.
The Commission decided to refer Spain to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to correctly transpose and apply Directive 2012/34/EU establishing a single European railway area.
![European Year of Rail](https://transport.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_medium_no_crop/public/2023-01/201217_Twitter_Banner.jpg?itok=VFNgII8W)
In 2021, all eyes were on rail and its role in building a sustainable and smart future for EU transport. Find out all about the initiative here.