FEDECRAIL Update 72 – A Sector That Is Moving Forward
The year has started at full speed for FEDECRAIL. Update 72 reflects a sector that is not standing still – but actively shaping its future at European level.
In this issue, we report from our first constructive meeting with the European Union Agency for Railways in Brussels. The dialogue focused on ERTMS, regulatory realities, resilience and how heritage railways fit into a changing European railway landscape. No dramatic headlines – but an important step toward long-term influence.
Resilience is also a recurring theme. At the Swedish Railway Safety Conference, discussions on risk-based operations, preparedness and competence clearly demonstrated something we already know: heritage railways hold unique knowledge in manual operations, robust systems and practical railway skills. These competences are increasingly recognised as relevant beyond our own sector.
Update 72 also addresses urgent challenges. The situation around coal supply and data collection shows clearly that if we want to be heard in Brussels, we must present structured facts – visitor numbers, volunteers, fleets and economic impact. Without figures, our voice is weaker.
At the same time, there are inspiring stories. In Rotterdam, historic snow trams were called into service during extreme winter conditions, helping to keep the modern tram network running for nine consecutive days. A powerful reminder that heritage is not only about preservation – it is about capability.
This issue captures both the strategic and the practical. It is about dialogue, responsibility and the next generation of railway heritage in Europe.
