Welcome to the website of the European Railway Agency.
The construction of a safe, modern integrated railway network is one of the EU’s major priorities. Economic integration and rapid growth in trade have transformed the European Union’s transport needs. In order to service this integrated market, railways must become more competitive and offer high-quality, end-to-end services without being restricted by national borders.
The European Railway Agency was set up to help create this integrated railway area by reinforcing safety and interoperability. Its main task is to develop economically viable common technical standards and approaches to safety, working closely with railway sector stakeholders, national authorities and other concerned parties, as well as with the European institutions.
The Agency also acts as the system authority for the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) project, which has been set up to create unique signalling standards throughout Europe.
All of the Agency’s work is aimed at increasing freight and passenger traffic by simplifying technical procedures and reducing delays caused by incompatible national systems. The introduction of standardised railway equipment will also cut costs for the railway industry and help the sector to become more dynamic and competitive.
The Agency is based in the French region of Nord-Pas de Calais, renowned as a centre of excellence and business in the railway industry.
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