ERTMS 2026 Conference

The workshops will provide participants with practical insights and collaborative discussions moderated by industry experts. A preliminary list of the workshops can be found below:

• Workshop 1. Certification and authorisation in the context of large deployments
• Workshop 2. Operational Rules for ERTMS -Building a consistent framework
• Workshop 3. Controlling ETCS Costs and exploring low-cost solutions
• Workshop 4. Practical solutions to overcome FRMCS-related deployment challenges
• Workshop 5. Building resilience and ensuring the future of ERTMS
• Workshop 6. Achieving the Single European Railway Area 

The workshop descriptions will be uploaded soon

Session 1: ERTMS Status and Outlook, moderated by ERA / DG MOVE 

Organisations participating: DG MOVE, CER, UNIFE, EIM 

Objective of the session:

• Provide a high level overview of the current ERTMS deployment status in Europe.
• Highlight regulatory, technical, institutional and financial challenges impacting the roll out.
• Share the perspectives of major sector organisations on upcoming priorities.
• Facilitate a structured debate on the future direction and strategic roadmap of ERTMS.

Session 2: Certification and Authorisation - Challenges On Board, moderated by: ERA / DG MOVE 

Organisations participating (TBC): NB RAIL, AERRL, ERA, NSAs 

Objective of the session:

• Present the main challenges facing conformity assessment bodies, vehicle owners and keepers.
• Discuss lessons learned and future improvements for Vehicle Authorisation (VA) and Trackside Authorisation (TA).
• Share operational experiences

Session 3: ERTMS Implementation – Deployment Programmes, moderated by: EUG 

Organisations participating (TBC): NSA BE, CER, ALE, ETF, UNIFE, ERA 

Objective of the session:

• Present national deployment case studies and highlight best practices in implementation.
• Examine challenges linked to cross border operations from a railway undertaking perspective.
• Promote the role of human factors through driver experiences with ERTMS.

Session 4: FRMCS – Planning and Challenges, moderated by: CER / ERA 

Organisations participating (TBC): UIC, ERA, UNITEL, FOT, SBB, ERJU 

Objective of the session:

• Present the FRMCS deployment planning, including key milestones and responsibilities.
• Review testing and validation activities involving industry and operators.
• Share FRMCS deployment experience, including national planning and operational considerations.
• Enable an expert panel discussion to address open issues

Session 5: Implementation – Cost Drivers, moderated by: UNIFE 

Organisations participating (TBC): DMT / DG MOVE, UNISIG, CER, EAL, NB RAIL, UNISIG / EIM, Outside EU 

Objective of the session:

• Provide a consolidated overview of the key cost drivers affecting ERTMS implementation.
• Present sector-wide perspectives on costs and risks for both on board and trackside projects.
• Identify unnecessary or overly burdensome elements in the conformity assessment process.

Session 6: Outlook – Future, moderated by: EU RAIL 

Organisations participating (TBC): EU RAIL 

Objective of the session:

• Explore the balance between system stability and innovation in future ERTMS development.
• Review the evolution of interfaces with interlockings and the implications for overall architecture.
• Discuss technological pathways for “shunting without signals” and operational transformations.
• Present ATO operational experience and identify priorities for future standardisation.

Session 7: Wrap up, Conclusion and Closure, moderated by: ERA 

Organisations participating: ERA 

Objective of the session:

• Present the main lessons learned during the ERTMS 2026 Conference.
• Highlight cross session insights and strategic messages for the sector.
• Formally close the conference and outline follow up actions.
• Provide a final moment for reflection before the concluding lunch and official end of the event.