The first railway package

General

The EU adopted the first railway package in 2001. It meant greater liberalisation of international freight traffic. The legislation came into force on 15 March 2003 and allowed competition for cross-border freight transport on certain stretches of railway. New operators could therefore begin to compete with national railway monopolies.

Until 15 March 2008, certain stretches have been exempted from the liberalisation. After that date, companies that wish to operate internationally will have access to the entire European rail network. In addition, common regulations were introduced in certain areas, such as the issuing of safety certificates and permits for railway undertakings to provide services.

EC Directives included in the first railway package

• Council Directive 91/440/EEC of 29 July 1991 on the development of the Community's railways
• Council Directive 95/18/EC of 19 June 1995 on the licensing of railway undertakings
• Directive 2001/12/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2001 amending Council Directive 91/440/EEC on the development of the Community's railways
• Directive 2001/13/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2001 amending Council Directive 95/18/EC on the licensing of railway undertakings
• Directive 2001/14/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2001 on the allocation of railway infrastructure capacity and the levying of charges for the use of railway infrastructure and safety certification
• Directive 2001/16/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 March 2001 on the interoperability of the trans-European conventional rail system