Rail interoperability and safety and the European Railway Agency: agreement with the Parliament

On 17 June 2015, the Latvian presidency of the Council struck a provisional deal with the European Parliament on new rules to improve interoperability and safety authorisation procedures for European railways. The reform also gives new tasks to the European Railway Agency (ERA). Together, the two directives and a regulation make up the technical pillar of the fourth railway package.

For the Council, the agreement still has to be confirmed by member states. The presidency will debrief member states' ambassadors on the outcome of the final trilogue at the Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper) on 24 June. Coreper will look at the agreed texts on 30 June for approval.

The agreement was reached in the ninth trilogue meeting with the Parliament. The Council approved its position for these negotiations in June 2014.

• 4th railway package: Technical proposals