The technical pillar of the 4th Railway Package marks a major step towards the creation of the Single European Railway Area. With this legislation, coming into force in 2016, ERA will be in charge of a 'one-stop shop' for all applications for safety certification and the authorisation of rolling stock for cross-border services. Thereby, it addresses the problem of cost that hampers railways' chances of competing with other modes of transport.
The simplified, slimmed set of European rules will possibly set the standard worldwide, and, in turn, strengthen the European industry sector in global competition. Care will also be taken that e.g. digital innovations can be picked up much faster.
