Since its first meeting on 5 October 2023, EIM’s Task Force on Capacity Management has brought together legal and operational experts from EIM’s member infrastructure managers to coordinate and support the association’s work on the file, develop common positions, and foster engagement with the EU institutions throughout the legislative process. As we now move into the implementation phase of the Capacity Regulation the Task Force shifts focus to the practical aspects of preparing for the Regulation’s timely and effective implementation.

In anticipation of the Trilogues, the Task Force developed a number of common priorities for EIM’s members. A total of 44 meetings of the Task Force were held until the trilogue process concluded in November 2025. Although the pace of the negotiations could be challenging to follow, the expertise within the Task Force and the rapid exchange of information between its members enabled EIM to keep track of developments and prepare positions ahead of each Trilogue meeting. The Task Force proved effective in ensuring alignment between infrastructure managers and presenting a coherent sector position during the negotiations.

The Regulation is expected to be officially published during the summer, after which the first milestones will be fixed in time. The establishment of ENIM is foreseen for this autumn. Some of the initial deadlines will probably already fall in 2027, including the submission of the first European Framework on capacity management and the start of the capacity strategy development process. While this may appear distant, the operational and organisational preparation required means that infrastructure managers will need to begin work well in advance. Here it is also vital to have good correspondence between the different entities already working on the timely implementation, such as the PRIME task force, and the processes ongoing within RNE to prepare the organisation to take on the role of Network Coordinator.

The Task Force will therefore continue its work as long as there is a need among the EIM membership by supporting them in preparing for the timely and effective implementation of the Regulation. The group brings together experts who have followed the file closely throughout the legislative process and who are highly familiar with the detailed provisions of the Regulation. As a result, the Task Force provides a unique forum within EIM for discussing practical implementation questions, exchanging experience between infrastructure managers, and developing a shared understanding of how the new rules should be interpreted and applied in practice. The expertise within the group will therefore be an important resource for members as they begin implementing the new framework.

“Chairing the Capacity Management Task Force—and analysing legislation that will be vital to the rail industry all over Europe—is one of the most interesting tasks I have undertaken. After all, chairing is the easy task—the real benefit of the group are all the experts that have contributed diligently over the 50 meetings the group has had so far. Now the focus shifts to implementation—together with the rest of the Rail Industry we have plenty of tasks to tend to.” – Sven Marius Utklev Gjeruldsen-Halle, (Bane NOR) Chairman of the Task Force.

“I am very happy with the output and efficiency of the Capacity Management Task Force over the course of the last two and a half years and look forward to the continuation as work now shifts from negotiation to implementation.” – Monika Heiming, Executive Director of EIM.

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A robust European transport network is of crucial importance in responding to Europe’s strategic objectives. Only with strong and state-of-the-art transport infrastructure at its core, will Europe be able to ramp up its resilience and military preparedness, reinforce its industrial competitiveness and safeguard its supply chain sovereignty. The sector stands ready to deliver, but cannot do so without adequate support.

While the ambitions and the investment needs are high, the sector continues to struggle with pressing underfunding and financing gaps. This trend of continued underfunding of the transport sector must be reversed and the EU Member States must set the bar high.

As such, if Europe is to succeed in its strategic priorities of a strong, resilient and competitive Union, it needs a robust European transport network providing the necessary fundament. This must be reflected in the future EU budget. With another round of discussions on the MultiAnnual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034 coming up during the General Affairs Council taking place on 24 February, all the signatory European transport organisations in an open letter ask the General Affairs and Finance Ministers to safeguard sufficient EU budget for transport under the future MFF and particularly strengthen the future CEF instrument. European support to the sector is now more pertinent than ever.

“EIM once again emphasises the critical importance of long-term and ambitious funding for investments in rail infrastructure to enhance the competitiveness, innovation, and decarbonisation of the EU market. The CEF has significant merit in supporting rail infrastructure development, which is essential for all segments, including high-speed rail, conventional rail, rail freight, and military mobility. It is also crucial for further digitalising rail networks”, says Monika Heiming, Executive Director of the European Association of Rail Infrastructure Managers.

The open letter to the EU Member States, with the full list of signatories, can be found here :

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The European rail sector is making substantial long-term commitments to transform the continent’s many national rail networks into a single European rail system. Infrastructure Managers are investing an estimated €866 billion by 2040 and €1,625 billion by 2050 to complete the TEN-T Network. Given long infrastructure lifecycles, complex financing needs, increased capacity requirements and differing national standards, only a stable long-term innovation framework can provide the interoperable solutions required for EU priorities.

A coordinated European approach to rail research and innovation is vital to accelerate overcoming the fragmentation among national railway systems and deliver harmonised, interoperable and affordable European-wide innovations,” said [EIM representative name/title]. “Only through continued, structured support can we achieve the Single European Railway Area and complete the Trans-European Transport Network.

Read the full Position Paper here :

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The discussions focused on how Infrastructure Managers can jointly deliver a truly European rail system without barriers, capable of connecting all major cities and capitals through high-speed links, while ensuring sufficient capacity for both passenger and freight transport.
Participants highlighted that Europe’s infrastructure must be ready to meet future challenges – from growing transport demand and climate change to the need for military and civil resilience. This requires coordinated planning, interoperable standards, and the timely implementation of rail technology such as the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and Digital Capacity Management.

Infrastructure CEOs agreed that these ambitions can only be achieved with stable and long-term investment. The next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034) will play a decisive role in providing the financial backbone for the rail sector – through programmes such as the Connecting Europe Facility, the European Competitiveness Fund, and the new National and Regional Partnership Programmes. Participants underlined that sufficient resources, predictable conditions, and effective coordination between national and EU funding streams are essential to ensure that rail continues to drive Europe’s decarbonisation, resilience, connectivity, and competitiveness.

This year’s High-Level Infrastructure Meeting (HLIM) took place in Warsaw on 19 November 2025 on the invitation of PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A. Co-organised by EIM and CER, the HLIM serves as an annual platform for Infrastructure Managers to share experiences, exchange best practices, and promote joint solutions to improve Europe’s rail network and strengthen the role of rail as the backbone of sustainable and resilient mobility.

CER Executive Director Alberto Mazzola said: “Europe’s rail infrastructure is entering a decisive phase. Delivering a high-speed, resilient and fully interconnected network, fulfilling the requests of commuters and freight customers, and adapting to the new geopolitical context, will require strong cooperation among Infrastructure Managers and firm political support at both national and EU levels. The next EU budget must provide the long-term funding and governance stability that our sector needs to plan and deliver. Only by investing in interoperability, digitalisation and capacity can we achieve a truly seamless European Railway Area for passengers and freight.”

EIM Executive Director Monika Heiming said: “Infrastructure Managers are ready to build the European rail network of tomorrow – but we need the right framework to make it happen. This means certainty of long-term investment through the next EU budget, coordinated deployment of ERTMS and digital tools, and a shared commitment to removing bottlenecks. High-speed infrastructure links between Europe’s capitals, sufficient capacity for growing freight volumes and infrastructure resilient to climate and security challenges – these are not distant ambitions but practical priorities that require action now. With stable funding and strong European coordination we can deliver the seamless, sustainable rail system that Europe’s citizens and economy depend on.”  

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The President of EIM, Miguel Cruz, stated: “I warmly congratulate my colleague Alain Quinet for his re-election. “The coming years will be crucial for the European single railway area, bringing significant challenges and opportunities for infrastructure managers, especially regarding resilience, security, innovation, and financial sustainability. Close collaboration with infrastructure managers and securing adequate support will be essential to strengthen Europe’s rail network, and I am confident that Alain’s contribution will be a strong asset for EIM and its members as we work to meet Europe’s ambitions.”

Alain Quinet thanked the members of EIM for their renewed confidence and added: “I am very honored by the renewed confidence shown in me by the representatives of infrastructure managers, and I thank them for that. Infrastructure managers will face many challenges in the coming years: the implementation of the TEN-T, military mobility, the deployment of high-speed trains in Europe and, of course, the question of financing these programs. The EIM is an important forum that allows infrastructure managers to exchange ideas and work together, participate in European debates and take action to implement future projects.  I intend to fully exercise my responsibilities as Vice-President in this regard.”

The Executive Director of EIM, Monika Heiming, complements: “Upcoming European initiatives in legislation and funding offer important opportunities to modernise and strengthen the role of infrastructure managers, making this decade crucial for delivering a European rail network aligned with the EU’s political priorities. As current and future reforms take shape, a balanced approach between regulation, finance and investment will be essential, with the reform of the EU budget serving as a key lever. EIM remains fully committed to providing strategic expertise and strong advocacy, supporting its members in addressing these challenges and contributing to a resilient, innovative and truly single European railway area.”

The General Assembly endorsed the work done in 2025 and the ambitious work plan for 2026 and beyond.  

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Read the full Position Paper here :

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On this occasion, the General Assembly unanimously elected Peter Jonasson, CEO of the Danish Infrastructure Manager Banedanmark, as Vice-President of EIM.

The President of EIM, Miguel Cruz, stated: “I warmly congratulate my colleague Peter Jonasson on his election. The coming years will bring significant challenges and opportunities for infrastructure managers, especially regarding resilience, security and financial sustainability. I am confident that Peter’s contribution will be a strong asset for EIM and its members.

Peter Jonasson added: “I am honoured by the trust placed in me by the members of EIM. As Vice-President, I look forward to actively contributing to EIM’s strategic discussions. The Banedanmark perspective will continue to bring a strong focus on innovation, and pragmatic approaches to enhancing Europe’s rail infrastructure.”

Monika Heiming, Executive Director of EIM, welcomed Peter Jonasson and commented: “Upcoming European initiatives in legislation and funding offer important opportunities to modernise and strengthen the role of infrastructure managers. EIM remains committed to providing strategic expertise and strong advocacy strategies, supporting its members in addressing key challenges and shaping a forward-looking European rail system.”

The General Assembly also endorsed the work accomplished so far in 2025 and approved EIM’s ambitious work plan for the coming months and beyond.  

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EIM supports this ambition and highlights the vital role of infrastructure managers in achieving it. To this end, EIM identifies eight key success factors, ranging from strategic planning and interoperability to long-term funding, coordination, workforce development and resilience.

Clear coordination, targeted investment and the full involvement of infrastructure managers will be essential to turn Europe’s high-speed vision into reality.

Read the full Position Paper here :

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Read the full Position Paper here :

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This roundtable gathered Presidents of key transport associations to provide strategic input for the European Commission’s upcoming Communication on measures to connect Europe through high-speed rail.

High-speed rail is more than a transport solution – it is a European integration and security project. To meet Europe’s geopolitical and logistical challenges, including military mobility, genuine cooperation between all stakeholders is essential – with infrastructure managers at the heart of this effort.

Miguel Cruz confirms, that “EIM highly welcomes the initiative of Transport Commissioner Tzitzikostas. The Implementation Dialogue is an important step towards reaching the ambitious EU objectives to double high-speed rail traffic by 2030 and triple it by 2050. Rail infrastructure managers are keen in contributing to this important European project. To do so, we need a strong enabling framework and long-term and flexible funding instruments including a reinforced Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), and an European approach to skills in the rail sector”.

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