Brussels, 09/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - European Rail Infrastructure Managers (EIM) hope that the fourth rail package, currently under preparation by the Commission, will guarantee them sufficient independence. At an event held in the European Parliament on Tuesday 8 May with the support of MEP Brian Simpson (S&D, UK) who chairs the Parliament's transport and tourism committee, the EIM said it was imperative that rail infrastructure managers be independent. EIM President Hubert de Mesnil highlighted, therefore, the need for infrastructure managers to own all essential functions which determine income and expenses. Jean-Eric Paquet, Director, European Mobility Network, at DG MOVE, confirmed that the role of infrastructure managers and essential functions, including maintenance, were at the heart of the ongoing preparation of the Commission's proposal for a fourth railway package, which will be brought forward before the end of the year and which could see infrastructure managers granted further responsibilities. (MD/transl.rt)