The governance structure of CER rests in three main bodies, ensuring a steady flow of communication between CER and its members. These bodies are supported by regular meetings at chief executive and working levels.
CER General Assembly
The General Assembly is the decision-making body of CER. All member companies take one seat and are represented by their chief executive or director general. The assembly gives the CER team guidance by taking decisions on how to advance on specific policy dossiers.
CER Management Committee
The Management Committee prepares the decisions of the General Assembly. It consists of the CER Chairman, three Vice-Chairmen and further members elected by the General Assembly. The size of the Management Committee is limited to a maximum of 14 members.
CER Assistants Group
CER members are represented by their international/European affairs managers in the CER Assistants group. This liaison group helps to facilitate the continuous exchange of information between CER and its members.
Besides these internal bodies, CER also establishes further meetings and working groups to discuss specific issues. Affected members are invited to take part in these discussions.
CER High Level Meetings
At least once a year, separate meetings are held with chief executives from passenger, freight and infrastructure companies to discuss specific issues affecting their business areas. There is also a separate meeting for chief executives from Central and Eastern European companies.
CER Working Groups
The working groups of CER are made-up of members of the CER Assistants group or other experts delegated from member companies. The most important working groups are (in alphabetical order):
- Customs Group
- Directors of Communications Group (DCG)
- Environment Support Group
- ERA Steering Unit (and various working groups on interoperability, safety)
- ERTMS Platform
- Freight Focus Group (FFG)
- Human Resources Directors (HRD)
- Infrastructure Interest Group (IIG)
- IT Manager Group
- Passenger Working Group (PWG)
All groups meet on a regular basis.
Building bridges
Internally, CER follows the principle that all opinions are taken into account and that no member feels dominated by others. CER believes that there is always a way to evaluate arguments properly and, if necessary, to find compromises in mutual respect. In the same spirit, every member has access to every working group in our association. CER is always open to new members.