4th Railway Package implementation. One Europe. One Railway. One process.

With the processes defined in the 4th Railway Package, the Agency has been mandated to issue vehicle authorisations, single safety certificates, and to grant ERTMS Trackside approvals. Instead of having to apply to multiple national authorities, now a single application to ERA, via the OSS - One-Stop-Shop, is sufficient for a vehicle authorisation or a safety certification valid in several Member States.

"There were many who were afraid of the changes this would bring - some even feared that the world of railways in Europe would stand still, after 16th of June 2019. In fact, the 4th Railway Package represents a giant leap forward" said Mr Josef Doppelbauer, ERA Executive Director, stressing that "now, as we look at the achievements, at the number of authorisations, certificates, and approvals we have issued, we have proved that through hard work, determination and cooperation success is achievable."

With almost 60 000 vehicles authorised, 150 single safety certificates and 10 ERTMS trackside approvals issued so far, the Agency has become the main Authority for the railway sector in the European Union, and is recognized as a reliable partner, proving its added value for the EU businesses and citizens.

Encouraged by the results obtained four years after the 4th Railway Package entered into force, ERA continues to have a clear vision of what the future of European railways shall look like. Railways must be connected, efficient, interoperable across borders and language barriers - and offer an attractive service for passengers and freight. The instruments to achieve this vision are in place - now we need to elevate the European mindset and commitment of the national decision-makers to put it in place.

Josef Doppelbauer: "Success is achievable"