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.
Railway packages
Creating a Single European Railway Area
Infrastructure
Connecting Europe by rail
Market
Opening national markets for more competitive and efficient rail
Interoperability & safety
Ensuring safe travel across borders
ERTMS
The European Rail Traffic Management System
Environment
Reducing noise emissions
Rail Research
Driving innovation in the rail sector
International relations
Cooperating with international partners
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
Commission refers Spain to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to correctly transpose and apply EU rules establishing a single European railway area
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 Commission adopts 8th report on development of the rail market
The eighth Rail Market Monitoring Report (RMMS) on the state of the EU rail market shows positive developments in 2019, before a significant change in traffic volumes in 2020 due to COVID-19.
Rail Transport: New harmonised EU standards to support cross-border rail
The Commission published a package of revised technical standards to improve rail interoperability across borders – the so-called ‘Technical Specifications for Interoperability’ (TSIs).
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.