Rail passengers’ rights and obligations in the EU [EU Legislation in Progress]

Written by Damiano Scordamaglia (4th edition, updated on 7.2.2020),

© Monkey Business / Fotolia

In 2007, the EU established a set of basic rights for rail passengers, which became applicable at the end of 2009. These rights provide for all passengers, including those with reduced mobility, a harmonised minimum level of protection, information and assistance. While the implementation of these rights has generally been smooth, recent reports have concluded that this is not done uniformly across the EU. Moreover, other shortcomings have prevented these rights from being used to their full potential. In September 2017, the European Commission presented a new proposal to address these shortcomings and to strike a new balance between keeping rail operators competitive and providing adequate passenger protection. The EP’s Committee on Transport and Tourism, adopted its report on the proposal on 9 October 2018. The Parliament subsequently adopted its first-reading position by a large majority, in plenary on 15 November 2018. For its part, the Council adopted its general approach on 2 December 2019, under the Finnish Presidency. This has allowed interinstitutional negotiations, with a view to reaching an early second-reading agreement, to start at the end of January 2020.

Versions

• February 2020: ‘Rail passengers’ rights and obligations in the EU‘ (4th edition)