On 7 November, the European Commission adopted the Staff Working Document on the evaluation of the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA).
The evaluation concludes that ERA is relevant for the current and future needs of the European railway sector to improve safety and to achieve interoperability and a harmonised single rail market.
While highlighting the progress made in improving safety, interoperability, and the development of the Single European Rail Area, the evaluation brings clarity on the challenges faced by the Agency, particularly the resource constraints that have hindered the full realisation of its objectives under the 4th Railway Package.
The 4th Railway Package was adopted with the aim to create a more efficient, interoperable, and safe railway system across Europe. Yet, the evaluation has shown that the resources allocated to the Agency have not kept pace with its growing mandate. This has placed significant strain on its ability to manage authorisation tasks while delivering its critical policy responsibilities.
Another key finding of the evaluation is the need to optimise processes for vehicle authorisation and safety certification. These processes are the backbone of the Agency's work, and they are essential for ensuring that our railways are not only safe but also interoperable. However, the evaluation has shown that these processes can be complex and, at times, burdensome. This has created challenges for applicants and has limited the broader cost savings that were anticipated under the 4th Railway Package. (....)