On 15 June 2016, the technical provisions of the fourth railway package enter into force. They consist in a series of measures adopted by the European Parliament and the Member States to make European railways more innovative and competitive. In particular, they will promote common EU rail standards and approvals, contributing to the competitiveness of the rail sector and to the creation of a deeper internal market. This represents a step closer to the completion of the Single European rail area.

Moreover, from this date, the European Union Agency for Railways replaces and succeeds the European Railway Agency (ERA), which will streamline the large number of national technical rules. After a three-year transition period, the Agency will be the single entry point for all applications for safety certification and market vehicle authorization. This will significantly reduce red-tape and administrative costs for companies, which now will no longer have to obtain permits from individual Member States.