EIM European Rail Infrastructure Managers

Strengthening Rail Innovation through Collaboration Yesterday,  the European Rail Infrastructure Managers Association and the 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G-IA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen digital integration and promote innovation in rail systems. This MoU marks a step forward in aligning the needs of rail infrastructure managers with the development of 6G technologies. By working together, we aim to develop a more connected, efficient, and future-ready rail network. 🚆📡🤝 🌐 Read the full press release on our website ⬇️ https://bit.ly/49ttOxk

EIM statement on the Opinion of the European Union Agency for Railways regarding ETCS-FRMCS compatibility (ERA Opinion ERA/OPI/2024-3) Abstract:   In October 2023 some of the “CTO Council” group members expressed concerns regarding financial and operational risks linked to the deployment of FRMCS and the current implementation of ETCS Onboard (ETCS-OB) Baseline 3. On this basis, it elaborated a set of two alternative proposals to the European Commission DG MOVE concerning the compatibility between the ETCS and FRMCS for a number of vehicles which are already equipped with ETCS B3MR1 or ETCS B3R2 products.   The Opinion ERA/OPI/2024-3 of the European Union Agency for Railways regarding ETCS-FRMCS compatibility assesses the proposal provided by some CTO Council members from three angles: technical, legal and policy/migration stream. For each angle, the ERA assessment of the 2 proposed concepts is negative.   EIM position i. EIM acknowledges the concern of other stakeholders, as railway undertakings, on related costs for FRMCS compatibility of ETCS Baseline 3 equipped rolling stock. Notwithstanding, EIM is of the opinion that alternative solutions, while potentially facilitating the compatibility between ETCS and FRMCS, shall also support the sector’s effort to achieve EU-wide FRMCS deployment by way of implementation of ETCS Baseline 4. ii. EIM primarily supports the need for cost-effective solutions in the migration from Baseline 3 to an FRMCS compatible ETCS Baseline, based on the relevant recommendations and proposals expressed by the System Authority in the Opinion. iii. EIM, next to the position expressed in point ii., and while supporting the decisions already taken in the frame of the TSI CCS 2023, is open to exploring alternative solutions for the ETCS-FRMCS compatibility, only at the condition that such alternative solution proves to satisfy clear conditions outlined in the statement.    Finally, EIM remarks that the sector needs clarity about the way to proceed for a timely completed migration to FRMCS. Consequently, the uncertainty on the migration path must end. Read the full statement on our website : https://bit.ly/4g4F1aa

EIM European Rail Infrastructure Managers has released, with CER (Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies), European Rail UNIFE, International Union of Wagon Keepers (UIP), and UITP, the rail sector's position on the new Connecting Europe Facility (#CEF). 📌 Key highlights of our priorities include: ◾ Advancing towards TEN-T Core and Extended Core Network completion;   ◾ Investing further in digitalisation initiatives, such as ERTMS and Digital Capacity Management; ◾ Ensuring financial support for urban rail transport, military mobility and alternative fuel technologies. We are committed to working with policymakers to ensure the new #CEF fosters the development of an efficient, resilient, and seamless rail system across the EU.🚆 Discover our full position paper here ⬇️ https://bit.ly/3D1ApCZ"

We have just published, together with CER (Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies), ALLRAIL, the Alliance of Passenger Rail New Entrants, ERFA-European Rail Freight Association, International Union of Wagon Keepers (UIP) and UIRR, the rail sector priorities for the trilogue negotiations on the Regulation on the Use of Railway Infrastructure Capacity. 📌 Key highlights of our priorities include: ◾ Multiannual funding for Infrastructure Managers to improve planning and communication regarding construction sites; ◾ Comprehensive management of train path changes by Infrastructure Managers; ◾ Close coordination between Member States to avoid conflicting national strategies. We are committed to working with policymakers to ensure this Regulation contribute to the modal shift and improves the efficiency and reliability of rail transport. Read our priorities here ⬇️ https://bit.ly/3ZjveWt

EIM congratulates Apostolos Tzitzikostas for his confirmation as EU Transport Commissioner Today, the European Parliament confirmed Mr Apostolos Tzitzikostas as the new Commissioner for Transport. EIM European Rail Infrastructure Managers highly welcome his appointment and are looking forward to a very fruitful cooperation. Read the full Presse Release on our website : https://bit.ly/4fLZTD1

Securing Europe’s Railways: Infrastructure CEOs focus on Resilience and Investment European rail infrastructure CEOs from the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) and the association of European Rail Infrastructure Managers (EIM) gathered in Vienna today to discuss the current challenges and priorities of the sector in delivering a resilient and high-performing rail network for EU citizens and businesses. Read the full Press Release on our website : https://bit.ly/4ichvtp

Today, the General Assembly of EIM European Rail Infrastructure Managers unanimously re-elected as its President María Luisa Domínguez González from the Spanish Infrastructure Manager ADIF. The General Assembly also elected a new Vice-President, Hakon Iversen, CEO of the Danish Infrastructure Manager Banedanmark. María Luisa Domínguez González thanked all the members of EIM by stating that: “I thank the members of EIM for their ongoing trust and support by re-electing me President of EIM. The next years will be crucial for the European single railway area, both in terms of resilience, funding and finance as well as innovation. I also wish a warm welcome to Hakon Iversen, CEO of Banedanmark, who was elected today Member of the Board of EIM.” Hakon Iversen stated that: “I thank the members of EIM for their confidence by electing me as Vice-President of EIM. I am looking forward to many high-level exchanges on the further digitalisation of rail infrastructure, especially ERTMS and FRMCS." The Executive Director of EIM, Monika Heiming, complements: “The next European Commission 2024-2029 will work on several reforms and legal initiatives. Many of them are highly relevant for rail infrastructure managers. EIM is committed to make a valuable contribution to them for a single, resilient and innovative single European railway area.” The General Assembly endorsed the work done in 2024 and the ambitious work plan for 2025 and beyond. https://bit.ly/4eS1fe5

At the eve of the start of a new European Commission, the European association of rail infrastructure managers (EIM), presents its political priorities to the new EU and the sector. EIM’s political priorities 2024-2029 support the European ambition to deliver a single, seamless and interconnected European Railway Area. Rail infrastructure managers confirm their ambition to remain a critical key enabler and to work with all EU bodies and stakeholders to achieve this common goal. EIM calls on the EU to maintain rail at the centre of the mobility strategy for tomorrow and to ensure ambitious funding in line with the EU objectives as regards connectivity, TEN-T deployment, digitalisation, dual use, physical and digital resilience and the necessary investments in future technologies. EIM also supports the EU ambition to support the competitiveness of the European supply market as rail infrastructure managers rely on products and technologies which are harmonised but also sustainable, recyclable, energy-efficient and cyber-proof. Last but not least, EIM fully endorses the EU objectives to reinforce up-/skilling of the European workforce and suggests launching new EU initiatives for training of the rail-related work force. Maria Luisa Dominguez, President of EIM states: “The single European railway area is unique and provides many opportunities and levers for all of us today and even more tomorrow. Therefore, EIM and its members underline the importance of providing rail infrastructure managers with strong levers during the next EU mandate 2024-2029 to help connect and innovate the SERA and to make it fit for the future. The Manifesto illustrates our ambition.” Monika Heiming, Executive Director of EIM states: “In the last two decades, rail infrastructure managers have invested in the repair, maintenance, upgrading and renewal of their assets, they have started to digitalise, to source in alternative energy sources and strive to make their networks more cyber- and weather resilient. Therefore, EU support for rail infrastructure is the lever for all of these investments and for the competitiveness of Europe.” Read the full Manifesto on our website : https://bit.ly/3XRLtKN

A unique initiative is uniting the entire rail sector as Europe's key #rail stakeholders embark on a dedicated #train journey to #InnoTrans2024. This special event offers an unparalleled opportunity for European rail decision-makers to discuss and prepare for the first-ever EU joint stand between the European Commission, #EU_Rail, and the European Union Agency for Railways under the slogan #EuropeForRail. Over a six-hour journey, a mix of European politicians, policymakers, industry manufacturers, infrastructure managers, railway undertakings, passengers, union representatives, and women in rail will engage in panels and workshops addressing several topics. By bringing together those who have committed to travelling by train to InnoTrans, we are promoting rail and emphasising the crucial role of #research and #innovation in enhancing its competitiveness. Together, we're reflecting on the needs, challenges, strategies, and the way forward for Europe's rail sector. 🌍 Let's shape the future of sustainable transport! ------------------

📅 Mark your calendars! The Women in Rail Award ceremony is happening on 24 September at InnoTrans 2024 in Berlin. ✨ Join us in honouring those who are driving progress and innovation, shaping the future of rail. 👩🔧 It promises to be an inspiring occasion, celebrating gender equality and excellence in the rail sector. 🚄 Save the date and be part of the change in #GenderEquality! #WomenInRail #SDG5 #EUTransport #WomenInTransport #InnoTrans2024 Europe's Rail Joint Undertaking, European Commission, CER (Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies), European Union Agency for Railways, European Rail UNIFE, EIM European Rail Infrastructure Managers, ALE - European Train Drivers' Union