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Interoperability & safety
The creation of an integrated European railway area also calls for improved “interoperability” – or technical compatibility - of infrastructure, rolling stock, signalling and other rail systems, as well as less complex procedures for approving rolling stock for use across the European rail network.
Over the years national rail networks have developed different technical specifications for infrastructure. Different gauge widths, electrification standards and safety and signalling systems all make it more difficult and more costly to run a train from one country to another. Specific EU legislation exists to promote interoperability and overcome such differences.
The European Railway Agency plays a central role in promoting interoperability and harmonising technical standards, a process in which cooperation between EU Member States and rail stakeholders is essential.
The European Railway Agency: promoting safety and interoperability
The European Railway Agency (ERA) in Valenciennes, France, helps to build an integrated European railway area by reinforcing rail safety and promoting interoperability. Set up in 2006, ERA develops common technical standards and common approaches to safety, working closely with stakeholders from the rail sector as well as with national authorities, the EU institutions and other interested parties. Featuring a dedicated Safety Unit, ERA also monitors and reports on rail safety in the EU.
The European Commission hired independent transport consultancy Steer Davies Gleave to help it in evaluating the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 881/2004 establishing the European Railway Agency. The results of the consultation conducted by Steer Davies Gleaves were presented at a public seminar on 10 December 2010, which was attended by about 60 participants. The presentation made by the consultant can be found below. The stakeholders' consultation was an essential part of the evaluation of the implementation of the Regulation. Its results were included in a draft interim report delivered to the Commission by Steer Davies Gleave. The delivery of the final report by the consultancy firm is expected in March 2011.
Disclaimer: the presentation below is made available for information purposes only and should be seen as a support to the final report; it cannot be regarded as final nor binding for the Commission.
Notif-IT (Notifications using Information Technology) is a web-based application developed by the European Commission (DG MOVE) in cooperation with the European Railway Agency for the benefit of the Member States, the industry and the public.
From 1 June 2010, national railway safety and technical rules should be notified to the Commission via Notif-IT. The Commission will evaluate the notifications and publish the notified rules in this database.
The Notif-IT should increase the transparency and understanding of national requirements to all stakeholders. This will contribute to the achievement of the Community objectives for developing railway transport and making the national railway systems more interoperable.
https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/risdb/home.do
Notif-IT leaflet 
[320 KB]
