The EU

Work has been going on in the European Union since the early 1990s to construct a uniform rail system in Europe. The aim of the work is to increase the efficiency and competitiveness of the railways in relation to the other forms of transport. Currently, cross-border rail transport is obstructed by the fact that the European market is divided into national networks based on different technical solutions and governed by different national rules. To overcome these obstacles, the EU has presented a number of sets of rules known as “railway packages”.

The EU’s railway packages

The railway packages consist of a number of directives aimed at harmonising the rules of the various member states. Generally a directive is not effective immediately; it must be incorporated into national law to have effect. Sometimes the member state already meets the requirements laid down in a directive. In such cases no action need be taken. In other cases the member state must implement the directive within a given time. To implement a directive, the member must legislate, issue regulations or otherwise make sure that the intended results of the directive are achieved.

Up to now, the EU has issued three railway packages. Two have been adopted and will be incorporated into the national rules, whilst the third is being processed. There are also additional proposals from the Commission on the free movement of locomotives, etc. (“Package 3.5”).

The first railway package was incorporated into Swedish law with, among other things, the coming into force of the new Railway Act on 1 July 2004. Work on incorporating the second railway package is currently in progress.