ERTMS 2026 Conference Agenda

The objectives of workshop 1 are to identify bottlenecks and propose scalable, digitalised approval processes to handle massive FRMCS and ERTMS deployments efficiently and to review vehicle authorisation provisions in the context of accelerated deployment of ERTMS and migration to FRMCS and DAC deployment. For this purpose, a 2-part workshop organisation is foreseen where different subjects will be discussed

Part 1

• Current bottlenecks in certification/authorisation of vehicles;
• Scalable approval models for handling large volumes of vehicles;
• Application of Standard Retrofitting Package on massive retro-fittings for FRMCS;
• Application of Standard Retrofitting Package on massive retro-fittings for DAC;

Part 2

• Digitalisation and automation in conformity assessment and documentation;
• Collaboration mechanisms between NSAs, manufacturers, and operators to reduce lead times;

The objective of workshop 2 is to discuss on the harmonisations of operational rules across Europe and integrate digital rulebooks to ensure safe, interoperable ERTMS operations. Several key points for discussion have been identified.

• Current operational frameworks and their limitations in an ERTMS environment;
• Cross-border harmonisation: aligning rules between different national networks;
• Digitalisation of rulebooks and integration into onboard systems;
• Deeper harmonisation based on L2 only operations from the JU/SP Operational team;

These points will be discussed in a 2-part workshop including discussions, presentations and a demonstrator.

• Operational Harmonisation and Engineering rules;
• Operational concept for Start of Mission, highlighting the value of fully harmonised operational and design principles;
• SIGMAT simulator demonstration (aligning operational rules between different national networks);
• La Maquette demonstration (Digitalisation of operational rulebook);

This workshop aims to encourage participants to discuss their views on improving the costs of ETCS. Following a brief introduction from the ERTMS Deployment Management Team, specific questions will be explored in smaller groups. This will foster sharing of ETCS cost experiences among sector stakeholders and identify improvement ideas. Key points for discussion:

• Current cost drivers in ETCS deployment: infrastructure, onboard equipment, and maintenance;
• Strategies to reduce costs without compromising safety or interoperability;
• Low-density lines: feasibility of simplified or more efficient ERTMS solutions;
• Role of standardisation, requirements and modular design in cost optimisation;
• Funding models and incentives to support affordable ERTMS rollout;
• Benefits (Business case) of future ERTMS operations;

This workshop will introduce the key elements of the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS), focusing on the overall deployment vision, the potential use of public Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), and practical deployment scenarios and applications. Participants will work in several discussion groups to explore these topics from different operational and technical perspectives, encouraging interactive exchange and concrete insights for future implementation. Key points for discussion:

• Vision for FRMCS Deployment;
• Use of public Mobile Network Operators (MNO);
• Deployment scenarios and applications;

This workshop will explore how to build resilience and adaptability in ERTMS to protect the system against evolving cybersecurity threats. Participants will work in several discussion groups to examine solutions for a smooth transition toward a secure ERTMS environment, including how to design an efficient European transition regime. The session will also address the economic impact of cybersecurity in the railway sector, highlighting key cost drivers and practical considerations for ensuring a robust, future ready ERTMS. Key points for discussion:

• Solution for a smooth transition to a secure ERTMS environment / How to design an efficient ERTMS transition regime in Europe;
• Economic impact and cost drivers for cyber security in the railway sector;

This workshop will focus on how modular RAMS principles can support a more resilient and adaptable future for ERTMS. Through several group discussions, participants will explore safety processes that enable fast, frequent, and cost efficient evolution of modular CCS systems, as well as strategies for defining Generic Design Safety Cases for modular architectures. The session aims to provide practical insights into deploying modular, future proof ERTMS solutions. Key points for discussion:

• Safety process to deploy fast, frequent, and cost-efficient evolutions of modular CCS systems;
• Strategy to define Generic Design Safety Cases for modular architectures;

This workshop will explore the advancement of the SERA target architecture and the evolution of both onboard and trackside systems needed to enable a truly unified European rail network. Through several group discussions, participants will review the current status and implementation roadmap of the SERA architecture, examine how CCS trackside and shared services can be simplified to reduce costs and enhance functionality, and discuss future onboard architectures designed to be modular and scalable for interoperability and digitalisation. The role of safety harmonisation in achieving SERA objectives will also be addressed, highlighting the key steps required for coherent and future proof deployment across Europe. Key points for discussion:

• The SERA target architecture: Current status and roadmap for full implementation;
• CCS trackside and shared services architecture: Simplification, cost reduction and functional improvements;
• Future onboard architecture: modular, scalable designs to support interoperability and digitalisation;
• Role of safety harmonisation in achieving SERA objectives;

This workshop will address solutions to strengthen cross border interoperability as a key step toward achieving a unified European rail network under the SERA vision. Through several group discussions, participants will examine the remaining technical and operational barriers that hinder seamless cross border traffic and explore the role of standardisation and governance in overcoming these challenges. The session aims to identify practical measures and harmonised approaches that can support an efficient, interoperable, and future proof European rail system. Key points for discussion:

• Cross-border challenges: technical and operational barriers still hindering seamless traffic;
• Role of standardisation and governance in achieving SERA objectives;

This workshop will examine how ERTMS can support military mobility needs and ensure strategic transport capability under defence related scenarios. Through several group discussions, participants will review the European Commission paper as well as UNIFE and CER position papers, and explore practical ways to guarantee effective military mobility in both peacetime and wartime. The session aims to identify key requirements and operational measures to ensure ERTMS remains resilient and fully capable in defence driven contexts. Discussion keypoints: 

• Discuss EC paper, UNIFE and CER position papers;
• How to ensure military mobility in peacetime and wartime;