Cologne, 26/11/2001 (Agence Europe) - At the opening of the World Congress on Railway Research in Cologne on Monday, the European Research Commissioner, Philippe Busquin, announced the launch of the new European Rail Research Advisory Council (ERRAC) which is a joint initiative by all stakeholders from the European rail sector. It also includes environmental organisations and transport user groups. The aim is to develop a common strategy for European rail research in order to make rail more competitive by maximising strengths from both the public and private sectors. The ERRAC will have the job of developing a common strategy for European rail research; outline measures for making the best use of research infrastructure; and identify action to be taken to make rail research more attractive to young engineers and researchers.