The implementation of the upcoming EU Capacity Regulation and the revised Telematics TSIs will require significant changes across the European rail sector.

These reforms are essential to make rail more digital, flexible, and European – all key to achieving the objectives of the EU Green Deal.

To support this transition, RNE is working closely with EU institutions on projects selected for EU funding, helping to enable and accelerate implementation efforts.

A key step in this process was the recent meeting between RNE representatives and officials from CINEA and DG MOVE.

RNE in Brussels

On 21–22 May 2025, representatives of the RNE Funding & Finance Team visited Brussels for a series of productive meetings.

They focused on three strategic initiatives:

• The recently finalised CEF II Technical Assistance 2 (2023–2024)
• The upcoming CEF II Technical Assistance 3 (2025–2027)
• The CEF II Transport Call 2023 (co-funded)

Please read further for more information on each initiative.

Overall, these sessions provided an important opportunity to reflect on recent achievements and align on next steps to further strengthen international rail capacity and traffic management across Europe.

Technical Assistance 2 finalised

At the closing meeting of the Technical Assistance 2 (TA2) project (22-AT-TG-RNE-CEF TA_23), RNE task leaders presented the tangible achievements that have significantly supported Rail Freight Corridors (RFCs) and Infrastructure Managers (IMs).

These efforts focused on developing common rules, standardised processes, and aligned IT requirements and architectures for international rail capacity and traffic management.

The project also made key contributions to data sharing, performance monitoring, market analysis, and the provision of real-time information, promoting greater consistency and efficiency in rail operations across Europe.

As highlighted by CINEA and DG MOVE, the project delivered wide-ranging benefits:

• Enhanced quality and reliability of rail services
• Optimised use of existing infrastructure
• Positive environmental and social impact
• Greater interoperability and system integration across the EU
• Strengthened collaboration within the rail sector
• Improved regulatory compliance and harmonisation

Reflecting on the project’s impact:

“The strong collaboration established between RNE, CINEA, DG MOVE, and ERA during Technical Assistance 2 is a solid basis for further developments under Technical Assistance 3,” noted Yann Seimandi (DG MOVE).

Harald Reisinger (RNE CIO/CFO) added,

“This collaborative and transparent approach has proven highly effective in making our joint efforts more visible, impactful, and beneficial for the entire railway sector.”

These outcomes of Technical Assistance 2 provide a solid foundation for further collaboration under Technical Assistance 3.

Preparing for Technical Assistance 3

This clarification meeting was an important step toward preparing the foundation for the upcoming Technical Assistance 3 project (24-AT-TG-RNE-CEF TA3_25-27).

This project will continue to support strategic developments in multi-network rail capacity and traffic management across Europe.

During this meeting, participants focused on the draft Grant Agreement and ensuring a smooth transition toward project launch.

Key discussion points included:

• Alignment of outstanding issues in the draft agreement
• Alignment on deliverables and budget allocation
• Clarification of administrative steps and timelines for signing
• Preparation for efficient and timely project implementation

CEF II Transport Call 2023 Project Moves Forward

The recent Project Meeting for “Digital Capacity Management Implementation 2024-2027” provided a valuable opportunity to review the approved Progress Report and share updates on ongoing project activities.

This project is co-funded by the CEF II Transport Call 2023 (23-EU-TG-DCM IMP 24-27).

The RNE Funding Team presented a forward-looking plan, reflecting the strong commitment of its members to sustain momentum and keep the project aligned with its strategic objectives: removing interoperability barriers and ultimately enhancing rail’s competitiveness and rail market share within the European transport sector.

Strengthening cooperation among Infrastructure Managers and with European institutions remains a key factor for successful project delivery.

Key points discussed included:

• Implementation of challenges and solutions
• Resource allocation and timeline adjustments
• Clarification of open issues raised in the report
• Roadmap of upcoming milestones

Reflecting on the meeting, CINEA Project Advisor Panagiotis Bismpas remarked:

“Strategic meetings like this are key to streamlining collaboration, minimising procedural delays, and driving more efficient and effective project execution.”

To deliver real impact across Europe, infrastructure managers are working towards improved infrastructure, digitalisation, and cross-border coordination in the European rail network.

To support this ongoing endeavour and accelerate implementation, infrastructure managers rely on targeted funding through European programmes such as CEF.