Latest updates
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24/7/2026 - Joint Position Paper - ETCS System Compatibility Checks (ESC) - Actions needed for simplification
AERRL, ERFA, CER and EIM jointly drafted a way forward to improve current ESC processes. The sector is fully committed to working jointly with ERA to identify meaningful improvements to current ESC processes, such as reducing duplication, improving transparency, and enabling evidence reuse, while laying the groundwork for a structured, long-term phase-out. This collaboration should result in a concrete, step-by-step roadmap with clear milestones, measurable outcomes, and regular progress reviews. Only through a shared and evidence based approach can the European railway sector move toward a genuinely interoperable system in which ESC requirements become progressively obsolete. Ultimately, greater emphasis should also be placed on addressing the root causes of the lack of interoperability, such as the completeness and stability of specifications and the availabilityof fully compliant products. Achieving progress in these areas would naturally improve efficiency and reduce the need for additional testing.
14/7/2026 - Joint Statement - A call to recognise rail contribution to decarbonisation
On 17 July 2026, the European Commission will unveil a comprehensive proposal to revise the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), aligning the carbon market with the EU 2040 climate target and industry competitiveness objectives. Just days before the proposal is unveiled, European rail and Combined Transport sectors collectively ask that the ETS remains true to its spirit: by earmarking its revenues to reward the sectors that have effectively decarbonised and hold accountable those that have not.
22/6/2026 - AERRL-ALLRAIL-ERFA Joint Position Paper on EU Military Mobility
AERRL, ALLRAIL, and ERFA underline the importance of ensuring that military mobility policies reinforce the performance, resilience and interoperability of the European rail system, while remaining fully consistent with the principles of the Single European Railway Area and the existing EU railway acquis.
15/6/2026 - Asociación de Empresas Ferroviarias Privadas (AEFP) joins ERFA
ERFA is happy to welcome the Spanish Private Railway Companies Association (Asociación de Empresas Feroviarias Privadas – AEFP) as its newest full member. The arrival of AEFP reinforces the geographical coverage of ERFA in South-West Europe and its ability to represent both individual companies and national associations.