RNE engages with a variety of stakeholders to develop solutions for cross-border train services via joint projects, cooperations and consultations, benefitting the entire rail sector.
Under the provisions foreseen by the proposed Capacity Regulation, the circle of stakeholders will widen, as will the range of topics and tasks.
RNE is therefore currently focusing on widening and deepening its engagement with stakeholders.
These activities will be coordinated with all RNE business areas as a transversal function in order to establish a consistent approach to stakeholder relations.
Call for Applications:
Advisory Board for the Capacity Regulation (ABCR)
RailNetEurope establishes the Advisory Board for the Capacity Regulation (ABCR) and is launching a continuously open call for applications for membership and observer status.
The ABCR will serve as the central consultation platform for operational stakeholders, other than Infrastructure Managers (IMs), in the preparatory work related to the upcoming EU Regulation on the use of railway infrastructure.
Structured dialogue, transparency and expert input
As RNE prepares to take on the role of Network Coordinator, the ABCR will play a key part in ensuring structured dialogue, transparency, and expert input on:
- capacity management
- cross-border traffic coordination, disruption and crisis management
- performance review
and other areas regulated by the upcoming capacity regulation.
Role of the ABCR
The ABCR will
- Facilitate cooperation between RNE and operational stakeholders other than IMs
- Provide feedback on implementation steps and operational processes
- Offer a platform for escalation and discussion of critical issues
- Contribute to recommendations and consultation activities
- Enable structured exchanges on rail infrastructure performance
The ABCR will meet 2-4 times per year, with one annual in-person meeting hosted by RNE.
Who can apply to be part of the ABCR?
The ABCR will consist of members and observers.
RNE invites applications for membership from European and national associations representing operational stakeholders, other than IMs, as defined in Article 4(3) of the proposed regulation.
This means European and national associations representing applicants, railway undertakings, rail service facility operators, providers of rail-related services and any other entities directly involved in operating a rail transport service.
Only representative organisations are eligible. Applications from individual companies or private individuals cannot be considered.
Applications for observer status are open to:
- Representatives of regulatory bodies
- Representatives of Member State transport authorities
- Representatives of European Coordinators in charge of European Transport Corridors (TEN-T)
- Representatives of European and international public entities active in the field of railway transport, in particular DG MOVE, ERA, Europe’s Rail JU, OTIF
How to apply?
For detailed information on the activities, the composition, the scope of the ABCR and the application procedures, please refer to the Call for Application.
Applications must be submitted through the online Application Tool.
Each application must include:
- an Identification and Classification form duly filled in (applications for membership and observer status – section I in online form)
- an Eligibility criteria form duly filled in (applications for membership only – section II in online form)
- A cover letter outlining motivation and expected contribution (applications for membership only – to be sent via mail to abcr@rne.eu )
The call is continuously open.
To take part in the first evaluation round in February 2026, applications must be submitted by 31 January 2026 at 12:00 (noon).
Contact for Call for Applications ABCR: abcr@rne.eu
Contact
Head of Market & Performance
Reinhard Haller
E-Mail: reinhard.haller@rne.eu
Senior Stakeholder Manager
Camille Dachicourt
E-Mail: camille.dachicourt@rne.eu