FEDECRAIL was pleased to join colleagues from across the European rail sector at the annual GRB Plenary Meeting, held on 12 October in Brussels and hosted by the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER). The Plenary is the key yearly assembly of the Group of Representative Bodies (GRB), a coalition of European railway associations that coordinates the sector’s input for the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA).
This year’s discussions centred on shaping the Single European Rail Area (SERA), reducing costs, simplifying regulatory burdens, and addressing ongoing challenges in the ERTMS rollout. The need to accelerate deployment while keeping implementation costs under control remains a major priority across the sector.
For FEDECRAIL, participation in GRB is essential. Many heritage operators face significant challenges when implementing new requirements such as ERTMS—particularly when unique historic vehicles operate on the main line. Being part of GRB ensures that the heritage railway sector has a voice in wider European rail policy discussions and can contribute to solutions that recognise the specific needs of heritage operations.
Following the plenary, members took part in GRB on Track, an interactive session featuring ERA Executive Director Oana Gherghinescu. The event offered a valuable opportunity to exchange views on cost reduction, simplification, regulatory stability, long‑term vision, safety approaches, and the role of rail in military mobility. It also provided a welcome space to continue conversations and strengthen connections across Europe’s rail community.
FEDECRAIL extends heartfelt thanks to GRB, all participating organisations, and the International Union of Wagon Keepers (UIP) for organising this year’s meeting and fostering an open, collaborative environment. These discussions help ensure that heritage railways remain part of the conversation as Europe shapes the future of its rail system, and we are pleased to contribute to this shared effort.
