On harmonised EU standards to support cross-border rail

The harmonisation of EU standards for cross-border rail transport represents a strategic effort to ensure seamless and efficient operations across member states. This initiative encompasses a comprehensive array of regulations and standards aimed at addressing technical, economic, legal, environmental, and social dimensions of rail transport. These standards are crucial for fostering interoperability, enhancing traffic management, securing financing, managing the transportation of special goods, and improving working conditions for staff. Furthermore, the framework will encompass data protection, cybersecurity, and sustainability, promoting the use of renewable energy and advanced technologies. The enforceability of these documents will vary, including recommendations, decisions, rulings, and proposals, some of which will be currently in force while others might be expired or under consideration. This structured approach aims to create a more integrated, efficient, and secure cross-border rail network within the EU, promoting economic growth, sustainability, and enhanced connectivity across member states.

1. Interoperability and Traffic Management

• Technical Standards: Harmonising signaling systems (e.g., ERTMS), communication protocols, and train control systems to ensure interoperability across member states.

• Traffic Coordination: Creating unified traffic management systems to coordinate cross-border services efficiently.

• Mixed Traffic Lines: Managing lines that handle both passenger and freight traffic to ensure safety and efficiency.

2. Financing and Economic Considerations

• Funding Models: Establishing EU-wide grants and funding opportunities to support infrastructure and rolling stock improvements, including eligibility criteria for grants and investments.

• Taxation Issues: Addressing different taxation frameworks to avoid double taxation, harmonise VAT rates, and promote fair competition.

• Special Regulations for Some Countries: Considering the specific economic, technical, and operational conditions and needs of different member states, including standards and local requirements.

3. Mode of Transport Changes

• Integration with Other Modes: Facilitating seamless transitions between rail and other transport modes (road, air, sea) to promote multi-modal transport solutions.

• Change the Mode of Transport: Facilitating transitions between different modes of transport to ensure efficient logistics and transport chains.

4. Customs, Visa, and Border Controls

• Visa Regulations: Simplifying visa requirements for passengers and staff on cross-border services to ease travel and work transitions.

• Customs Procedures: Harmonising customs checks and procedures, particularly for special goods, to streamline cross-border transport.

5. Special Goods Handling

• Regulations for Special Goods: Establishing standards for the transport of food, chemicals, high-pressure capsules, waste, animals, dangerous goods, explosive atmospheric goods, and atomic waste.

• Environmental and Safety Standards: Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and safety standards for handling these goods to protect public health and safety.

6. Staff Working Conditions

• Working Conditions: Harmonising labor standards and working conditions, including wages, hours, safety regulations, and the working conditions for staff ETF (European Transport Workers' Federation).

• Training and Certification: Standardising training and certification requirements for staff across the EU to ensure high standards of service and safety.

7. Data Protection and Cybersecurity

• GDPR Compliance: Ensuring passenger data protection in accordance with GDPR.

• Cybersecurity Standards: Implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect rail infrastructure and data, including regulations on the place of data storage and what information needs to be shared.

• AI Regulations: Developing regulations for the use of AI in rail operations, focusing on safety and efficiency, and addressing cybersecurity concerns.

8. Transparency and Information Sharing

• Port and Pickup Transparency: Ensuring transparency at ports and points of pickup and distribution to enhance efficiency and trust.

• Network Information Service: Providing real-time information on schedules, delays, and disruptions, ensuring passengers and operators have access to accurate data.

• Statistics and Information Sharing: Standardising the collection and sharing of statistics and information to improve transparency and decision-making.

9. Security and Safety

• Transportation Security: Implementing measures to safeguard against terrorism, human trafficking, gun and drug smuggling.

• Passenger Safety: Establishing standards to prevent harassment, ensuring passenger safety, and addressing anti-harassment policies.

• Authorization Process: Standardising the authorization process for cross-border operations and mutual recognition of driving licenses.

10. Technological Advancements and AI

• AI Regulations: Developing regulations for the use of AI in rail operations, focusing on safety and efficiency, and addressing cybersecurity concerns.

• Smart and Sustainable Provisions: Encouraging the adoption of smart technologies and sustainable practices in rail operations.

11. Legal and Jurisdictional Considerations

• Legal Liability: Clarifying legal liability in case of incidents, including cross-border jurisdiction issues, and addressing the legal liability of incidents and agreements.

• International Agreements: Aligning with international rail transport conventions such as COTIF and CUI, including articles on liability, jurisdiction, and damage reimbursement.

12. Environmental Considerations

• Sustainable Practices: Encouraging the adoption of sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

• Emission Standards: Setting stringent emission standards for rolling stock and infrastructure, including regulations on the use of combustion engines.

• Promotion of Renewable Energy: Promoting the use of renewable energy in rail transport to reduce environmental impact.

13. Market Competition and Regulations

• Market Access: Ensuring fair competition and access to the rail market.

• Regulations for Manufacturers: Standardising regulations for rail vehicle and infrastructure manufacturers to ensure consistency and safety.

• Technical and Market Competition: Promoting a competitive market environment while maintaining high technical standards.

14. Investment and Grants

• Eligibility for Funding: Defining criteria for grant and investment eligibility to support rail projects, including special considerations for some countries.

15. Communication and Frequencies

• Communication Standards: Harmonising communication frequencies and standards across the EU to ensure reliable and efficient communication between trains and control centers.

• Related Frequencies: Standardising related frequencies to prevent interference and ensure smooth operations.

16. Additional Considerations

• Supply Contracts: Standardising contracts for supply and procurement to ensure transparency and fairness.

• High-Speed and Regular-Speed Transportation: Developing specific regulations for different speed categories, including high-speed and regular-speed transportation.

• Defense and Security: Addressing rail transport security in the context of national defense.

• Geo-Blocking and Nationality Discrimination: Prohibiting geo-blocking and discrimination based on nationality to ensure equal access and treatment.

• Domestic and Crossborder Considerations: Addressing both domestic and cross-border issues in a unified regulatory framework. It also includes specific provisions for certain countries inside and outside EU.

17. Specific Frameworks and Bodies

• Community of European Railways (CER): Coordinating efforts through CER for a unified approach to rail transport across the EU.

• Ruling and Jurisdiction: Ensuring the jurisdiction of courts in handling cross-border rail disputes.

• Access to EES: Facilitating access to the Entry/Exit System for law enforcement to enhance security and compliance.

• Unpredictable events: Covers provisions regarding special events such as Covid19, natural hazardous threats or other epidemic/pandemic circumstances.