Brussels, 05/12/2012 (Agence Europe) - On 19 December, the European Commission is to present its legislative proposal for a fourth rail package. The logistics sector and infrastructure managers have set out their points of view in order to position their pawns as best they can. The logistics side is calling for a strictly separated model, while independent infrastructure managers seek a more moderate approach and above all call for neutrality.
Regarding the chapter on governance of the next railway package, the European Organisation for Forwarding and Logistics (CLECAT) recommends that infrastructure managers be quite simply separated from service operators. “Separation is not an end in itself but a means to encourage competition. The integrated holding models in the rail sector often entail privileged 'ownership-type' relationships between the incumbent undertaking and the infrastructure managers. In this business model it is often hard to make objective decisions when demand exceeds supply or capacity since infrastructure managers are bound to give preference to their own operator's business interests over that of competitors”, states CLECAT in a position paper published on Tuesday 4 December. The association also suggests giving greater independence to infrastructure managers.
This is indeed what is being demanded by the main interested parties. Nonetheless, they are proving more guarded about the separate model. According to Monika Heiming, the executive director of the Association of Independent Infrastructure Managers (EIM), members of the organisation will support all the Commission proposals dissipating doubt about the neutrality of infrastructure managers. She added that she is insisting on “all” and this clearly includes strict separation of the network and operators. She also said that only by introducing rules would conflicts of interest be avoided between the two undertakings and guarantee a highly performing rail industry. For the EIM, this suggests greater independence of infrastructure managers, increased powers for them and more transparency. This is why Heiming is expecting a clear definition of their role in the fourth railway package.
In the other areas of development, the CLECAT said that it is in favour of strengthening the European Railway Agency and setting up a European railway regulator. (MD/transl.fl)