A political agreement has been reached within the EU on a new regulation intended to change how railway infrastructure capacity is allocated across Member States.
The forthcoming regulation introduces a harmonised approach designed to address infrastructure congestion and coordination issues, particularly at borders. Around 50% of rail freight traffic in the EU crosses at least one border, and the Commission has identified the existing system as incompatible with current demands for cross-border traffic.
The new rules will lead to the introduction of multiannual strategic planning and a shift toward earlier and more coordinated timetable development. The regulation is set to enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU. According to the European Commission, the first timetable under the new system is expected to take effect in December 2030.
The regulation is intended to allow infrastructure capacity to be used more efficiently and to improve coordination between national networks. It is also expected to contribute to the implementation of the EU’s High-Speed Rail Plan.
