Rail safety: Commission refers Denmark to the EU Court of Justice Brussels, 26 February 2015

IP/15/4498

European Commission - Press release

The European Commission has referred Denmark to the European Court of Justice for not fully andcorrectly transposing European rules on rail safety (Directive 2004/49/EC). The rules aim to ensuresafety on the railways and improve access to the market for rail transport services. Member States arerequired to harmonise the regulatory structures, define safety responsibilities between actors as well asdevelop common safety targets and safety methods. The harmonisation of national rules requires theestablishment of a national safety authority and an accident and incident investigating body. Thedeadline for implementation was 30 April 2006.

BackgroundThe Commission had already requested Denmark to transpose the directive through a reasoned opinion(the second stage of the infringement procedure) in January 2014. However, the necessary legislativesteps have not been taken. The Commission concluded that Denmark has failed to take action, inparticular regarding the status of the investigation and the independence of the investigating body.

For more informationOn the February infringement package decisions, see MEMO/15/4489

On the general infringement procedure, see MEMO/12/12

For more information on infringement procedures:http://ec.europa.eu/eu_law/infringements/infringements_en.htm

Press contactsJakub ADAMOWICZ (+32 460 750595)Joshua SALSBY (+ 32 2 297 24 59)

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