My first general assembly as ERA Executive Director

Today I attended my first General Assembly as Executive Director of the European Union Agency for Railways – both online and onsite in Valenciennes. 

I am always impressed by the level of expertise we gather under the roof of ERA, and am fully committed to put this great resource in the service of our partners in the European Commission, European Parliament, Council of the European Union, the European rail sector and in the service of the EU citizens. 

Key takeaways:

• Continuing our sustained efforts on rail safety, reducing cross-border bottlenecks and making rail a more cost-effective business
• Strengthening collaboration with NSAs and stakeholders on the ground; reinforcing ERA’s partnership role within the EU ecosystem
• Supporting emerging policy priorities such as military mobility, high-speed rail, digitalisation, cybersecurity, performance-driven innovation deployment
• Full commitment to simplifying administrative processes and delivering stable specifications
• Preparing for the future with strengthened competencies and a positive organisational culture. 

Thank you to everyone who joined and contributed - onsite or online! With shared ambition, commitment and teamwork, we can achieve lasting impact.

This article was published as part of the On Track with the Director page, a personal window into the thoughts, insights, and takeaways of Oana Gherghinescu, Executive Director of ERA.