On 9 February, European Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas, responsible for transport, launched the book “Reforming Railways – Learning from Experience” in Brussels in the framework of the European Railway Award. The book, produced by the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), gives a comprehensive overview of the state of play of reforms in the railway sector in different countries, in and outside Europe. This book is an update of the book entitled “Reforming Europe’s Railways – An assessment of progress” which was produced by CER in 2005. 

From left to right: CER Chairman Mauro Moretti, European Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas
and CER Executive Director Johannes Ludewig

 
 
The sheer pace of reform and the fact that that much material only appears in the national language make it difficult to keep up. These are just two reasons why CER invited distinguished national experts to write an overview on reforms within their countries. In particular, experts were asked for their opinion on what has worked, and what has not. CER is honoured to publish the work of one CEO, the Chairman of UIC, two former ministers of transport, two senior administrators, ten senior academics and five consultants of international repute.
 
This book not only shows that the European rail market has been the subject of major reform over the last two decades, but also shows that there are major differences across Europe. Some countries started on this process almost 20 years ago whilst, in others, reforms have begun only recently. Within Europe, this book also shows the differences in the political and economic conditions between member states – particularly between East and West. These have led to a variety of solutions and results. To recognize these differences is the first step towards making reforms which suit all conditions, not just those in Western Europe.

 
Johannes Ludewig, CER Executive Director, emphasised the importance of this book for the European political process: “Our view – also reflected in many of the chapters of the book - is that whilst much progress has been made on introducing competition within the European rail freight market, far less progress has been made in introducing a socially efficient pricing system across the transport modes. For example, important amendments to the principles of tolling trucks in Europe (Eurovignette Directive) were first discussed in the 1990s and included in the Commission’s 2001 White Paper on transport, but member states are still not allowed to charge heavy goods vehicles for the external costs that they cause. Also, in many member states, there is inadequate investment in rail infrastructure. Providing these problems can be overcome, we remain confident in the future of the European rail industry in providing the most sustainable mode of transport.”

 
The publication includes four chapters on reforms outside the European Union. The greatest successes of reform have arguably been in the United States and Japan, whilst Latin America has the most experience in concessioning. With the exception of Russia, the reforms in these countries are all based on strikingly different models of reforms to those being applied in the European Union.

 
Copies of the book can be ordered through www.eurailpress.de/ceren  or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The retail price is EUR 48,-.