The principle and aim of the European Frameworks is to ensure that Infrastructure Managers (IMs) coordinate at European level, when planning, allocating and managing capacity, as well as when monitoring the performance of railway services.

The European Frameworks will cover three main areas:

• Capacity management
• Traffic management
• Performance review.

IMs will be expected to take the European Frameworks into the utmost consideration when implementing national processes, including through their Network Statements.

Where national specificities require deviations from the European Frameworks, IMs shall explain these deviations in their Network Statements. While allowing for such national particularities, the European Frameworks represent an important step forward towards greater harmonisation, transparency and coordination across the European railway network.