European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) - (Decentralised Agencies)

Decentralised Agencies

Decentralised agencies contribute to the implementation of EU policies. They also support cooperation between the EU and national governments by pooling technical and specialist expertise from both the EU institutions and national authorities. Decentralised agencies are set up for an indefinite period and are located across the EU.

European Union Agency for Railways (ERA)

Based in France, the ERA is helping to integrate European railway systems by making trains safer and able to cross national borders without stopping.

Since 2006, the ERA has:

• worked to develop economically viable common technical standards and safety measures and targets in cooperation with the rail sector, national authorities, EU institutions and other bodies.
• reported on rail safety in the EU.
• led efforts to create uniform signalling standards throughout Europe.

The ERA has its headquarters in Valenciennes and international conference facilities in Lille.