Environment
Noise
Objective
Noise pollution is one of the most widespread public health threats in industrialised countries and the second largest environmental cause of health problems in the EU, impacting the railway sector and rail operations. The EU is taking several actions on noise exposure, one of which is reducing noise emissions from rail freight.
Regulation (EU) 1304/2014 on the Technical Specification for Interoperability related to Rolling stock – Noise (NOI TSI) establishes the framework for noise emitted by rolling stock (locomotives and passenger and freight wagons).
EIM actions in 2024
- EIM’s WG “NOI” (Noise) has been sharing experiences in relation to the list of quieter routes;
- EIM’s WG “NOI” has contributed to the technical opinion on the reporting of the information for quieter routes. The EC followed EIM’s recommendations (the information will have to be provided exclusively through RINF and no longer with the Noise template).
- EIM’s Nordic IM members continued working with the task force on the assessment of the composite brake blocks towards an exemption to be taken based on the composite brake blocks (CBBs) performance in the Nordic countries.
Outlook 2025
- EIM participates actively in the newly launched ERA Topical Working Group Noise which is aimed at addressing noise emissions of parked trains (e.g. trains that have systems running to heat or cool trains before starting their shift).
- Quieter routes have come into force at the end of 2024. EIM’s WG “NOI” will share their experiences on activities related to its effectiveness and how it is enforced by NSAs.
Application Guide
Substances
Objective
Within the context of the European Green Deal, the European Commission (EC) launched several initiatives to regulate the use of certain substances, such as Glyphosate, F-gases and PFAS.
Several of these substances are used by Rail Infrastructure Managers (IMs) in their activities: Glyphosate for track maintenance, Fluorinated gases (F-gases) in switch gears and Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in various other applications.
- The EC adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2364 to extend the permitted period of use of glyphosate until 15th December 2023. On 28th November 2023, the EC adopted its Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2660 renewing the approval of glyphosate for a period of 10 years (i.e. until 15 December 2033).
- On 5th April 2022, the EC published its proposal to revise the Regulation on fluorinated greenhouse gases with the aim to phase out these man-made gases. In February 2024, the co-legislators (European Parliament and Council of the EU) adopted amendments to its legislation on fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases), reducing the scope of the mandatory phase-out based on data and available alternatives to F-gases. The text enters into force in January 2025 (Articles 12-17) and in March 2025 (Articles 20 and 23).
- In February 2023, the EU Chemical Agency (ECHA) published a proposal to restrict the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by 2026 or 2027, with some use-specific and time-limited derogations. The ultimate aim remains to phase out PFAS by 2039. Following a public consultation in September 2023, ECHA’s committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) have been reviewing the feedback. Their final opinions, initially expected in 2024, are now anticipated in the second half of 2025, after which the EC and the Member States will deliberate on the adoption and scope of the restriction.
The members of EIM are actively engaged in finding alternatives to these substances and minimising their use as quickly as possible, without jeopardising the safety of the railway system.
EIM actions in 2024
- EIM actively participated in the “Advisory Board” of UIC’s Bison Project addressing biodiversity, infrastructure synergies and opportunities for European transport networks.
- EIM attended all relevant meetings on EU level, including those involving the social partners.
- EIM closely followed the development and implementation of all initiatives.
- EIM closely cooperated with the wider rail sector to provide feedback to ECHA regarding the restriction of the use of PFAS.
Outlook 2025
- ECHA is expected to continue examining the results of the public consultation and potentially deliver its final opinion to the EC in the second half of 2025.
- EIM will continue to follow all relevant EU initiatives regarding substances used by the rail sector.
Implementing Regulation 2022/2364 on the extension of the approval period of glyphosate
Proposal for a Regulation on fluorinated greenhouse gases, amending Directive (EU) 2019/1937 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 517/2014
Low-emission and Electro-Mobility
Objective
With the publication in March 2020 of its proposal of the “European Climate Law” the European Commission (EC) envisages a legally binding target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal.
Member States will be bound to take the necessary measures to meet this target in all sectors concerned, including transport.
Within this framework, EIM participates in the ‘’Platform for Electro-Mobility’’ to promote rail as one of the best electromobility solutions for citizens to achieve the climate ambition of zero emissions. The Platform has gained importance due to the revision of the EU Directive on “Alternative Fuels Infrastructure” (AFID) into a Regulation (AFIR). The AFIR entered into force on 12th October 2023.
EIM closely monitored the negotiation on EU level of AFIR and all related topics.
EIM actions in 2024
- EIM actively contributed to discussions within the Platform for Electro-Mobility
- EIM engaged with key stakeholders on the topic of energy efficiency and energy transition.
- EIM closely monitored the preparations for the implementation of AFIR.
Outlook 2025
- EIM will continue to actively participate in the Platform for Electromobility.
- EIM will continue to contribute to topics such as energy efficiency and energy transition.
Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy – putting European transport on track for the future
European Green Deal (EGD)
Objective
The European Green Deal (EGD) was presented in December 2019 by the EU Commission. The EGD aims at boosting the competitiveness of European industry, establishing a circular economy, eliminating pollution, and safeguarding biodiversity. The overall objective is to make the European Union carbon-neutral by 2050 across all sectors, including transport.
To achieve this, the Fit for 55 package, introduced in July 2021, includes 13 legislative proposals to cut emissions by 55% by 2030.
The EGD, notably the part on sustainable transport, has a major impact on the upcoming revision or development of EU legislation relevant for rail infrastructure managers, such as TEN-T, Rail Freight Corridors, funding and financing, rail capacity management, national rules, bottlenecks, etc.
As of the end of 2024, 12 proposals under the EGD have been adopted.
In February 2025, the EU Commission (EC) presented a Clean Industrial Deal, which consists of a strategic extension of the EGD, aiming at strengthening Europe’s industrial competitiveness while accelerating the green transition.
EIM actions in 2024
- EIM closely followed the legislative developments on the EU Green Deal.
- EIM consulted its Working Group “EGD” set up in 2021 and exchanged with the experts.
- EIM also coordinated its activities with other organisations (CER, UNIFE, ALLRAIL).
Outlook 2025
- EIM will continue to follow all relevant EU initiatives related to the implementation of the EGD.
- EIM will closely monitor the legislative initiatives under the Clean Industrial Deal.
- EIM will consult its members and its WG “EGD” when relevant.
- EIM will continue its collaboration with the sector to promote rail as the greenest mode of transport.
Nature Restoration
Objective
On 22nd June 2022, the European Commission (EC) published a Proposal for a Regulation on Nature Restoration. The proposal sets multiple binding restoration targets and obligations across a broad range of ecosystems, from forests and agricultural land to urban areas, rivers and marine habitats, complementing existing legislation. These nature restoration measures should cover at least 20 % of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030, and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. To implement the proposed regulation, Member States would be required to develop nature restoration plans, to be assessed by the EC.
Following intense negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council of the EU, the Regulation was adopted in June 2024. The initiative had been challenged by the Council, some political groups and market actors and ultimately reduced in scope.
EIM in action
- EIM regularly exchanged with its WG “EU Green Deal” and its political delegates on the issue.
- EIM duly updated the members on the possible impact of this initiative.
EIM actions in 2024
- EIM closely followed the evolution of the dossier on EU level.
- EIM continued to exchange with all relevant stakeholders (EU institutions and sector organisations).
- EIM collected expert advice from its members to feed the negotiations on EU level.
Outlook 2025
- EIM will monitor the implementation of the Nature Restoration Regulation.
- EIM will assess the practical impact of the regulation on rail investment projects.
- EIM will advocate solutions aligning nature restoration with rail development and resilience.
Proposal for a Regulation on Nature Restoration