Brussels, 29/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - The day before publication of the fourth railway package, the head of cabinet for European Commissioner for Transport Siim Kallas tried to dissipate fears about a separation between the railway entities becoming “optional”, particularly under the weight of German pressure. He spoke at a conference organised by those most interested - the European Rail Infrastructure Managers (EIM - see other article) on Tuesday 29 January.
Keir Fitch, Kallas' right hand man, admitted that the railway reform “is a package we have spoken a lot about with member states. We have tried to propose a package corresponding to certain expectations. It must be 'sell-able' from the political side and it is. There have been last minute adaptations which perhaps won't please everyone.” However, he reassures the latter: “The package provides for solid safeguards, especially for Deutsche Bahn. We have a system which must be as simple and transparent as possible. Sometimes it's a bit more complex because it's necessary to provide for these safeguards. The danger would be not having protection.” These adjustments remain shrouded in mystery however. All will be revealed on Wednesday 30 January, as the Commission announces it. Fitch remained optimistic but cautious as regards the publication of the fourth railway package that day. (MD/transl.fl)