Press Release: Rail safety: Commission refers Denmark to the EU Court of Justice

The European Commission referred Denmark to the European Court of Justice for not fully and correctly transposing European rules on rail safety (Directive 2004/49/EC).

The rules are aimed to ensure safety on the railways and improve access to the market for rail transport services. Member States are required to harmonise the regulatory structures, define safety responsibilities between actors as well as develop common safety targets and safety methods. The harmonisation of national rules requires the establishment of a national safety authority and an accident and incident investigating body. The deadline for implementation was 30 April 2006.