International trains at Brussels Midi station: ICE 3 and Thalys.

The third railway package is a collection of European Union legislation, intended to revitalise railways across Europe and open up passenger services to competition.[1][2]

Following on from the second railway package, the main act of the third railway package was open access for all international passenger services, including cabotage, across the railways of the EU from 1 January 2010.[3] However, there were also reforms to rail passengers' rights (including a minimum level of compensation for delays); this applies to both international and domestic rail travel, but national governments can exempt some domestic services from this in the medium term.[4] and harmonisation of train drivers licences.[5]

The third railway package reflects the 2001 white paper, "European transport policy for 2010",[6] but much detailed discussion and negotiation was needed to agree the various provisions.[7][8]

The legislation is hoped to stimulate new and improved rail services across Europe. A progress report is expected to be submitted in 2012, which may stimulate further liberalisation, particularly for domestic rather than international rail services.[9]

Legislation

  • Directive 2007/58/EC, on open access[10]
  • Directive 2007/59/EC, on harmonised licenses for train drivers[11]
  • Regulation 1370/2007 on open access, and subsidised public services[12]
  • Regulation 1371/2007 on rail passengers rights[13]

This European legislation has been mirrored by local laws in individual countries of the EU; for instance, the Railways Infrastructure (Access and Management) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 in the UK.[14]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Further integration of the European rail system: third railway package". Retrieved 2011-01-12.
  2. ↑ "Third Railway Package valid in all European Union member states - Railway Pro". 15 January 2010. Retrieved 2011-01-12.
  3. ↑ "EU gives green light to third railway package". EurActiv. Retrieved 2011-01-12.
  4. ↑ "Railway Gazette: Third Railway Package agreed as mega-truck battle hots up". Retrieved 2011-01-12.
  5. ↑ "Transport: Third railway package of 2007 - European commission". Archived from the original on 2011-01-01. Retrieved 2011-01-12.
  6. ↑ "2010-01-01". Retrieved 2011-01-12.
  7. ↑ "Railway Gazette: Third Railway Package creeps forward". Retrieved 2011-01-12.
  8. ↑ "Railway Gazette: Third Railway Package goes to the vote". Retrieved 2011-01-12.
  9. ↑ "Herbert Smith e-bulletin". Retrieved 2011-01-12.
  10. ↑ "Directive 2007/58/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 amending Council Directive 91/440/EEC on the development of the Community's railways and Directive 2001/14/EC on the allocation of railway infrastructure capacity and the levying of charges for the use of railway infrastructure". Retrieved 2011-01-12.
  11. ↑ "Directive 2007/59/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on the certification of train drivers operating locomotives and trains on the railway system in the Community". Retrieved 2011-01-12.
  12. ↑ "REGULATION (EC) No 1370/2007 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL". Retrieved 2011-01-12.
  13. ↑ "REGULATION (EC) No 1371/2007 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL". Retrieved 2011-01-12.
  14. ↑ "EU legislation : Legislative framework : About the rail industry : Office of Rail Regulation". Retrieved 2011-01-12.
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