ERA - European Union Agency for Railways
ERFA enjoys a close working relationship with the European Union Agency for Railways ( ERA), whose main tasks are to enhance interoperability and establish a common approach to safety for Europe’s railways.
ERFA, as a recognised Representative Body, is invited by ERA and the European Commission to shape the development of the Single European Railway Area. The Representative Body status gives ERFA a seat on the ERA Management Board and the right to take part in working groups.
Management Board – Influence at the highest level
ERFA is represented on the ERA Management Board by our Technical Advisor, Markus Vaerst. The ERA Management Board meets normally 4x per year and gives ERFA direct access to meetings with the ERA Director, Josef Doppelbauer and the national government representatives.
Committees and Working Groups – maximum ERFA representation on issues which are cost-and discrimination- sensitive
ERFA regularly provides input and technical expertise on regulatory changes and recommendations via working groups established by the European Union Agency for Railways and the European Commission.
There are over 60 Working Groups dedicated to developing a simpler and safer rail system. ERFA is currently represented in the following working groups: