Press Release: European Railways at a junction: the Commission adopts proposals for a Fourth Railway Package

The European Commission announced on 30 January 2013 a comprehensive package of measures to deliver better quality and more choice in railway services in Europe. Rail is a vital part of EU transport, with a key role in addressing rising traffic demand, congestion, fuel security and decarbonisation. But many European rail markets are currently facing stagnation or decline.

Faced with this reality, the Commission is proposing far reaching measures to encourage more innovation in EU railways by opening EU domestic passenger markets to competition, as well as substantial accompanying technical and structural reforms.

• Primary Source

European Commission: MEMO/13/50: 4th Railway Package – Statement Vice-President Siim Kallas http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-13-50_en.htm

European Commission: MEMO/13/45: European Rail: Challenges Ahead http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-13-45_en.htm

EUObserver, 31.01.13: EU railway law to halt 'stagnation, decline' http://euobserver.com/economic/118906

http://ec.europa.eu/transport/modes/rail/index_en.htm http://ec.europa.eu/transport/modes/rail/index_en.htm

European Commission: The Commissioners (2010-2014): Siim Kallas: News, 30.01.13: European Railways at a junction: the Commission adopts proposals for a Fourth Railway Package http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/kallas/headlines/news/2013/01/fourth-railway-package_en.htm

EurActiv, 30.01.13: Kallas rolls back EU bid to break up state rail monopolies http://www.euractiv.com/transport/kallas-presents-radical-balanced-news-517459

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