Brussels,

Interoperability & safety

MOBILITY & TRANSPORT

The creation of an integrated European railway system aims to enhance "interoperability" — the technical compatibility between infrastructure, rolling stock, signalling, and other rail subsystems — and to simplify the process of authorizing rolling stock across the EU.

National rail networks have historically developed varying technical specifications, such as different track gauge widths, electrification methods, and signalling systems, leading to increased costs and complexity for cross-border train operations. Specific EU legislation supports efforts to promote interoperability, with the European Railway Agency playing a key role in harmonizing technical standards, requiring cooperation among EU Member States and rail industry stakeholders.

European Rail Agengy (ERA)

In 2016, the EU released a new legislative act: Regulation (EU) 2016/796 on the European Union Agency for Railways (and repealing Regulation (EC) No 881/2004).

The European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) is a key institution dedicated to promoting a safer, more efficient, and unified railway system across the European Union. Established in 2004 and headquartered in Valenciennes, France, the ERA's primary mission is to contribute to the development of a Single European Railway Area (SERA) by ensuring technical and legal harmonization of railway standards across EU member states.

Mission and Role

ERA plays a central role in enhancing rail interoperability and safety across Europe. It focuses on eliminating the technical and legal barriers that have historically fragmented national rail networks, working towards seamless cross-border rail services. Its efforts directly support the EU's goals for sustainability, mobility, and economic growth by:

  1. Promoting Interoperability: The Agency oversees the technical harmonization of railway systems, ensuring that different national networks—whether through infrastructure, rolling stock, or signalling—can operate efficiently together.
  2. Enhancing Safety: ERA develops and enforces common safety standards, contributing to the EU's vision of a highly secure and reliable railway system. It monitors safety performance and advises on best practices to maintain high safety levels.
  3. Issuing Authorizations: The Agency streamlines and simplifies the authorization of rolling stock and railway operators across the EU, reducing administrative burdens and fostering competition by enabling easier market access for new entrants.
  4. Digital and Innovative Solutions: ERA encourages the adoption of modern, digital rail technologies, such as the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), a major initiative aimed at modernizing Europe's rail infrastructure and ensuring compatibility across different national systems.

Key Functions

  • Single Safety Certificate: ERA grants the Single Safety Certificate, required for rail operators to provide services across multiple EU countries, simplifying procedures and reducing regulatory complexity.
  • Vehicle Authorization: It issues unified vehicle authorizations that allow rolling stock to operate seamlessly throughout the European rail network.
  • Monitoring and Support: ERA assists national rail authorities in implementing EU railway legislation and ensures compliance with interoperability and safety standards.
  • Coordination with Stakeholders: The Agency works closely with national safety authorities, rail operators, and other stakeholders to ensure that regulations and standards are effectively applied across the EU.

Strategic Importance

As Europe seeks to shift more freight and passenger traffic to rail as part of its Green Deal and climate goals, ERA’s work is becoming increasingly significant. By facilitating a more integrated and efficient railway system, the Agency helps promote greener transport, reduce CO2 emissions, and enhance the competitiveness of the European railway sector.

Vision for the Future

ERA envisions a future where Europe's rail networks are fully interoperable, safe, and innovative, leading the way in sustainable mobility solutions. Its ongoing efforts to implement digital systems, standardize processes, and foster collaboration across EU Member States are essential to realizing this vision.

In summary, the European Union Agency for Railways is instrumental in building a truly European railway system, eliminating national differences, and ensuring that rail transport can flourish as a key pillar of the EU's sustainable transport policy.

Single Rules Database (SRD)

From 2020, Single Rules Database (SRD) replaced Notif-IT (Notifications using Information Technology).

The Single Rules Database (SRD) is a comprehensive information and communication system developed and managed by the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA). It was established under Article 27 of Regulation (EU) 2016/796 to improve the transparency and accessibility of national railway safety and technical rules across the European Union.

Purpose and Role

The SRD serves as the central repository for national safety and technical rules related to rail transport in EU Member States. It aims to ensure that these rules are easily accessible to stakeholders, including railway operators, national safety authorities, and the public. The system plays a crucial role in promoting harmonization, interoperability, and safety within the European rail network.

Key Features

  1. Centralized Notification System: Since November 2020, SRD has replaced the earlier Notif-IT system for notifying new national safety rules. Member States are now required to submit their railway safety and fixed installation rules through SRD, ensuring consistency and up-to-date information.
  2. Comprehensive Rule Repository: SRD contains national safety and technical rules that govern rail operations across the EU. These include rules previously notified via Notif-IT, which have been reassessed and are being transferred into the SRD for continued access and review.
  3. Transparency and Accessibility: SRD provides public access to these national rules, ensuring that all stakeholders, including operators and manufacturers, have a clear understanding of the regulatory landscape across EU Member States.
  4. Support for Interoperability: By centralizing safety and technical rules, SRD contributes to the harmonization of railway standards across the EU. This supports the broader objective of creating a Single European Railway Area (SERA), improving cross-border rail transport and reducing regulatory fragmentation.

Transition from Notif-IT

From November 2020, the SRD became the sole platform for notifying new safety and technical rules. Notif-IT is no longer in use, but the rules notified through it until December 2020 remain accessible in the SRD. The ERA, in cooperation with Member States, is currently reassessing these rules to ensure they meet updated standards and are seamlessly integrated into the new database.
Legal Framework

Related Documents

To assist users, the ERA has developed support materials such as the SRD Manual for Member States Users, which provides guidance on how to notify safety rules through the system.


For any inquiries regarding the SRD, stakeholders can reach out to the ERA Service Desk via email at servicedesk@era.europa.eu.
In conclusion, the SRD is an essential tool for ensuring transparency, safety, and interoperability within the EU rail sector, supporting the seamless operation of national rail systems across Europe.