The liberalization of passenger rail transport between European Union member states comes into effect today. Any operator licensed to provide services in one member state can automatically do the same in others, reports hrt.hr.
In this way, governments cannot discriminate against foreign operators. Rail services have been the most challenging sector for liberalization due to the complexity of infrastructure and technical standards, as well as significant differences between member states. The opening of the passenger rail transport market is currently assessed as very modest, which is a direct consequence of the third railway package adopted by the European Parliament in 2007. Major national lines will certainly be opened to competition later, either directly at the initiative of governments or mandated by the fourth railway package that the European Commission will initiate to ensure equal treatment for all European companies. Some countries have already opened their markets earlier, while those that have not, such as France, are meanwhile benefiting from openings in others. (HRT)
