Brussels: Europe and the Arabs

Negotiators from the European Union institutions (the Council and Parliament) in Brussels reached a provisional agreement today to coordinate, simplify, and streamline the management of available train capacity on the EU rail network, both within and between member states. This new approach will allow for more frequent and reliable rail services for passengers and freight. According to a statement released Wednesday morning in Brussels, Thomas Daniels, Minister of Transport of Denmark, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU, said, "This agreement aims to contribute to increased efficiency in the use of rail infrastructure in Europe through coordinated capacity management, more efficient allocation processes, and enhanced cross-border cooperation." The European statement added, "To improve train capacity planning on the EU rail network, today's agreement updates the general framework for capacity management at the EU level. Taking into account the digitalization of rail operations, the agreement includes general rules for capacity management during the planning, scheduling, allocation, and rescheduling of time slots on the EU rail network." The new rules will introduce long-term planning for train services that goes beyond the annual schedule, while also facilitating the planning of additional train services at short notice.

Currently, passenger and freight train capacity is managed annually by national infrastructure managers. This is a complex task, as passenger and freight trains share the same routes but operate, for example, at different speeds and with different stopping patterns.

While cross-border rail traffic is increasing, scheduling international rail services can be challenging, as each infrastructure manager allocates rail capacity based on its national framework and timetable design.

The key role of the ENIM network

While national infrastructure managers will remain at the forefront of coordination and planning, enabling each member state to ensure that its rail capacity planning and use align with its objectives and policy decisions, the European Network of Infrastructure Managers (ENIM) will play a key role by developing three frameworks.

First, ENIM will be tasked with developing a European capacity management framework. The framework will include guidelines and standards for various aspects and steps of long-term capacity planning and train service allocation. It will serve as a guide for all national infrastructure managers.

Secondly, ENIM will also develop a European framework for coordinating cross-border traffic management, disruption management, and crisis management, which infrastructure managers will use to manage changes in allocated capacity rights.

Thirdly, ENIM will develop a European performance review framework that will allow for monitoring developments in rail transport.

A tailored approach for each rail network

The provisional agreement allows member states to provide strategic guidance that takes into account the unique circumstances of each of their respective rail networks. However, they must coordinate with each other and ensure consistency of their priorities, particularly with neighboring member states.

This guidance will also help establish the socio-economic, operational, and environmental criteria used to manage situations where demand is high on the same segment of the network during planning and conflict resolution. Regarding the next steps, the European statement explained, "This provisional agreement now requires ratification by representatives of the Member States in the Council (Coreper) and the European Parliament. It will be formally adopted by both institutions. The Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy (SSMS) sets out the EU's roadmap towards a more sustainable, intelligent, and resilient transport system. Its main objectives include increasing rail freight traffic by 50% by 2030 and doubling it by 2050. To achieve these goals, rail transport must become more affordable, reliable, and accessible, while providing services that better meet the needs of both passengers and freight operators."