The letter, released on January 10, emphasizes the need for a system that supports cross-border rail freight operations and aligns with the increasing demand for freight transport within the European Union, ERFA informed.
The proposed Regulation, introduced by the European Commission in July 2023, seeks to transition railway capacity management from a predominantly national and manual process to one that is digital, international, and adaptable. This shift is seen as critical for rail freight services, particularly since over half of these services cross at least one national border. The trilogue negotiations involving the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of the European Union aim to finalize the text of the Regulation, though key issues remain under discussion.
Key Proposals and Challenges
The letter outlines several proposals to improve the Regulation, including:
- Binding European frameworks with transparent processes for any deviations.
- Incentives to prioritize efficient capacity management for cross-border train paths.
- A harmonized methodology for capacity allocation, emphasizing socio-economic and environmental criteria.
- Clear governance structures supported by key performance indicators (KPIs) focused on cross-border freight performance.
- Active consultation with railway undertakings throughout the rule-making process.
The Regulation is expected to replace the Rail Freight Corridors Regulation, making it essential for the new framework to address any gaps and avoid setbacks in operational efficiency and legal certainty for stakeholders. The associations stress the importance of ensuring the new measures surpass the effectiveness of existing regulations.
Broader Implications for Rail Freight
The industry groups highlight the growing importance of rail freight in supporting European supply chains, noting ongoing challenges such as delays, operational restrictions, and cancellations due to fragmented infrastructure management. They argue that the proposed Regulation offers an opportunity to address these issues by establishing a unified approach to capacity management, which is particularly relevant for intermodal and cross-border freight operations.
The trilogue negotiations are expected to address unresolved aspects, including the Regulation’s binding nature, governance mechanisms, and measures to ensure fair and transparent capacity allocation. The outcomes will have implications for the reliability of rail freight services and the broader competitiveness of European industries relying on these networks.
