The programme supports the development of railway systems as an inclusive, equitable, smart, clean, safe and sustainable mode of transport, in synergy with the Global Gateway strategy.
As part of a shared effort by the European Commission, the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) and the European railway industry to promote safe, interoperable and sustainable rail systems worldwide, ERA and the European Commission's Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), working in close cooperation with the Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE), launched a new phase of their collaboration through the signature of a €5 million Contribution Agreement covering the period 2026-2030 at InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin.
Under the agreement, DG INTPA entrusts ERA with the implementation of railway cooperation activities in partner countries across:
The programme supports the development of railway systems as an inclusive, equitable, smart, clean, safe and sustainable mode of transport, in synergy with the Global Gateway strategy, the European Union's initiative to strengthen sustainable transport and connectivity links between Europe and partner regions worldwide.
Building on its expertise in railway safety and interoperability, ERA will work with national administrations, regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders across these regions to strengthen institutional capacities, support the development of regulatory frameworks, and promote international and European technical standards and best practices. A true work of Team Europe.
Activities supported under the programme may include:
The agreement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening railway capacity and fostering international cooperation in support of safe, efficient and sustainable transport systems worldwide.
The European Union Agency for railways is excited to begin this partnership and look forward to helping partner countries strengthen their railway systems through the exchange of expertise, knowledge and best practices, while supporting the development of rail as one of the world's cleanest modes of transport.
Through this cooperation, ERA is proud to support the European Commission's international rail agenda by bringing its long-standing expertise in railway safety, interoperability and ERTMS. Drawing on the robustness of the European railway model and decades of experience in developing a harmonised regulatory framework, the Agency will contribute technical knowledge that can help partner countries advance safe, efficient and interoperable railway systems.
Signature of the cooperation agreement and panel discussion at InnoTrans 2026:
While ERA's core mission is to support the development of the Single European Railway Area, the Agency is also becoming an increasingly active partner in international railway cooperation, working closely with DG MOVE and DG INTPA to support the European Union's international rail objectives.
Throughout InnoTrans 2026, ERA, together with colleagues from DG MOVE and DG INTPA, engaged with government representatives, railway authorities, industry stakeholders and international organisations from around the world, including partners from Ukraine, India, the United States, Panama, the Republic of Korea, South Africa, Bangladesh, Senegal, countries in the Gulf region and Central Asia, Brazil, as well as the Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail (OTIF).
These exchanges generated new opportunities for cooperation and renewed interest in leveraging European railway expertise, regulatory experience and industry know-how to improve railway safety, interoperability and sustainability in partner countries.
To support the implementation of this cooperation programme and ERA's growing international engagement, the Agency is currently recruiting technical experts.
Successful candidates will contribute to cooperation activities with partner countries, provide technical expertise in their areas of competence, and support the exchange of knowledge and best practices between Europe and partner regions.