CER wishes to secure an important step forward towards a better functioning Single Railway Area and recommends the creation of a compulsory network of regulatory bodies formally established in the European Union along the lines of what is currently being discussed between the European Parliament and Council in the context of the recast of the first railway package.
The Network of Regulatory Bodies would:
- Contribute to the uniform application of EU law across the Union
- Provide for a non-binding alternative dispute resolution system (i.e. arbitration) in cases of complaints involving cross-border services as well as an optional ‘one stop shop’ for cross-border issues to help increase the pressure on national regulatory bodies concerned
- Report on an annual basis to the EU legislators and stakeholders on the state of play of national regulators and provide peer pressure to national regulatory bodies.
In combination with this important reform, CER stresses the fundamental importance of achieving genuine independence, from all parties including national governments and EU institutions, for national regulatory bodies as well as for the network that CER proposes.
This does not prejudge in any manner whatsoever the prerogative of the European Commission Directorate General for Competition to take action when anti-competitive behaviors affect the Single European Railway Area, nor the right for any applicant to appeal of a decision of a national regulatory body in front of national or European Courts.
 CER Position Paper on A European Network of Regulatory Bodies | [ ] | 635 Kb |