Schienen-Control the European Network of Railway Regulatory Bodies (ENRRB)
Schienen-Control closely networked with other railway regulatory authorities at European level and is actively involved in the work of the European Network of Rail Regulatory Bodies (ENRRB).
This network was established in 2013 on the initiative of the European Commission to promote cooperation and information exchange between national regulatory bodies and to ensure uniform application of European railway law.
In accordance with Directive 2012/34/EU, the ENRRB serves as a platform for exchanging information on activities and decision-making practices, improving coordination between national authorities, and developing common principles and recommendations. In addition to the European Commission, all national regulatory authorities regularly attend the meetings, which are usually held three times a year.
Key topics for Schienen-Control the ENRRB in 2024 included the implementation and possible revision of Directive 2012/34/EU, particularly with regard to high-speed transport, vertical integration, digitalization, and the economic equilibrium test pursuant to Article 11. Access to ticket sales platforms and the future role of regulatory authorities within the framework of the planned EU capacity regulation were also the focus of discussions.
The ENRRB is now an established forum that not only ensures the regular exchange of information and experience between national authorities, but also contributes significantly to the coordination of regulatory decisions and the harmonization of regulatory practices in Europe. Schienen-Control 's active participation Schienen-Control Austria's voice in the European regulatory community and supports the further development of a fair, transparent, and competitive railway market in the single European railway area.
Two ENRRB meetings were held in 2025. Throughout the year, attention was drawn to challenges in rail freight transport, which continues to face structural difficulties as it competes with passenger transport and other modes of transportation. Among the issues mentioned were declining freight volumes, labor shortages, the need for investment in infrastructure that is, in some cases, outdated, and developments in intermodal transport. Schienen-Control actively Schienen-Control in both meetings, including by providing input on the practical application of the balance test and on the fee procedure under Section 68a of the EisbG.
The European Commission provided an update on the progress of several legislative initiatives, including those related to the use of rail infrastructure capacity, digital booking and ticketing systems, high-speed rail, and technical specifications for telematics. In 2025, the Commission also published a report on the implementation of Directive 2012/34/EU, as well as an accompanying study on vertical integration in the railway sector.
Another key focus is the future role of the ENRRB under the new EU Capacity Regulation. Once the regulation enters into force, the ENRRB will, for the first time, issue an opinion on the statutes of the newly proposed European Railway Platform (ERP) as well as on the European frameworks to be developed by the European Network of Infrastructure Managers (ENIM). In the future, the ENRRB will be led by a co-chair consisting of a permanent representative from the European Commission and a rotating representative from a regulatory authority. To prepare for the new organizational structure, a working group was established under the ENRRB’s existing rules. It was co-chaired by Schienen-Control, the Federal Network Agency (Germany), and ART (France) and was tasked with drafting the network’s new statutes, which were expected to take effect in late summer 2026.