Sustainable rail market in view of the COVID-19 pandemic

Key points

• The EESC welcomes the proposal of the European Commission and underlines the importance for the Member States and infrastructure managers to apply as soon as possible the derogations granted for the whole period indicated in the proposal. However, it is suggested that, before the end of the period of validity of the proposed derogations, the European Commission and the legislators should consider extending the validity of these measures, especially in the event that the economic recovery of the sector proves to be slower than expected. The EESC finally stresses the importance of the provisions aimed at ensuring that Member States compensate infrastructure managers for any economic losses caused by the application of the proposed derogations from Directive 2012/34/EU.