The European Commission has formally endorsed the Council's position on a new regulation to optimise the use of railway infrastructure capacity across the single European railway area. The communication, published on 23 April 2026 under reference COM(2026)171, is a legislative step under Article 294(6) TFEU, informing the European Parliament of the Council's text ahead of final adoption. The proposal, part of the European Green Deal and the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, aims to improve rail services, accommodate growing traffic, and contribute to the decarbonisation of the transport sector. Key stakeholders, including rail operators, infrastructure managers, and national authorities, will be affected by new rules on capacity allocation, penalties, and user consultation.
The Commission's endorsement follows months of negotiations between EU institutions. The Council's position includes several amendments: a stronger role for national administrations in capacity management, a wide derogation for military transport, rules on penalties for changes to allocated capacity, and the establishment of a "European Railway Platform" for stakeholder consultation. The regulation strikes a balance between harmonisation and national flexibility. Strengthening national administrations' roles may improve local responsiveness but could fragment the single market. The military derogation ensures security needs are met but may reduce capacity for commercial services. Penalties for last-minute capacity changes aim to increase reliability but could impose costs on operators. The European Railway Platform enhances user input but adds a layer of consultation that may slow decision-making.
Impact on stakeholders Rail operators face clearer rules on capacity allocation and penalties, potentially increasing operational costs but also improving predictability. Infrastructure managers gain stronger roles but must coordinate with national authorities. National administrations see their authority reinforced, which may benefit those seeking to protect domestic priorities. The EU Agency for Railways will be tasked with supporting implementation and monitoring, as the Commission commits to evaluating synergies to ensure efficient use of data and resources.
Institutional follow-up The European Parliament and the Council are expected to formally adopt the regulation in the coming months, with the Commission's endorsement paving the way for final approval.
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