{"id":314945,"date":"2025-11-11T19:43:54","date_gmt":"2025-11-11T09:43:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.railfreight.com\/?p=67271"},"modified":"2025-11-11T19:43:54","modified_gmt":"2025-11-11T09:43:54","slug":"eu-commission-evaluates-era-positive-but-expectations-not-met","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=314945","title":{"rendered":"EU Commission evaluates ERA: positive, but expectations not met"},"content":{"rendered":"

The European Commission has issued an evaluation of the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA). The Commission found that ERA is \u201crelevant\u201d for the rail sector, working towards EU-wide interoperability, a harmonised single rail market and improved safety. There are, however, obstacles to overcome.<\/strong>
\n<\/span>The evaluation report is, generally speaking, positive about the role of ERA in the European rail market. It points out that the agency\u2019s responsibilities have broadened with 2016\u2019s 4th Railway Package. The technical pillar of that policy package stipulated that ERA would issue vehicle authorisations valid in the entire EU, removing the need for many separate national certifications.<\/p>\n

ERA would also create a \u201cOne stop shop\u201d where all such safety applications could be entered, reducing the complexity of the process. It also received responsibilities in the areas of ERTMS interoperability, removal of redundant national rules, and oversight of national bodies.<\/p>\n

Not living up to expectations<\/h2>\n

\u201cERA had a positive contribution in all areas where it was expected to play a role under the 4th Railway Package, and it has also had a positive role towards the development of the Single European Rail Area (SERA)\u201d, says the European Commission. A little sidenote: the results are not what was initially expected in all areas.<\/p>\n

The centralised authorisation system has not managed to reduce the administrative burden equally for all applicants, says the Commission, nor has it led to the expected cost savings. Moreover, ERA struggles to deliver more technical harmonisation and support for digitalisation and modernisation of the industry.<\/p>\n

According to the Commission\u2019s evaluation, ERA\u2019s efforts are hindered by a lack of human resources. \u201cThe human resources made available to the Agency for the implementation of the 4th Railway Package were significantly lower than expected in the 2013 Impact Assessment\u201d, it says.<\/p>\n

Optimisation<\/h2>\n

As a result, there are also concerns that the increasing demand for vehicle authorisations will have a negative impact on ERA\u2019s policy tasks. The Commission pleads for further streamlining of the procedures for vehicle authorisation and safety certification. That should boost the added value of ERA action, it says, highlighting that national bodies cannot deliver on EU-wide interoperability and harmonisation.<\/p>\n