Framework agreement (FA)

Expression used in EU Directives as referring to a general agreement setting out rights and obligations in relation to infrastructure capacity to be allocated and the related charges for a period longer than one working timetable period. The principle of not specifying train paths in detail allows for infrastructure capacity management that includes long-term planning. According to the definition in DIRECTIVE 2012/34/EU, Chapter I, Article 3: a framework agreement means a legally binding general agreement under public or private law, setting out the rights and obligations of an applicant and the infrastructure manager in relation to the infrastructure capacity to be allocated and the charges to be levied over a period longer than one working timetable. Further, Framework agreements reserve a certain amount of capacity in a generic manner and can never be exclusive with regard to other legitimate users of the railway infrastructure. However, some IMs may assign priority to a framework agreement.