Legislation

Objective

IMs are increasingly using drones for inspections, maintenance and other purposes. In addition, unsolicited drone flight operations over rail tracks are becoming a safety and security issue.

On EU level, current legislation on drone flights does not properly consider rail specificities. Therefore, a harmonised railway drone-oriented EU legislation and regulation needs to be developed in cooperation with EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency), ERA and EC, notably to foster drone operations ‘Beyond Visual Line of Sight’ (BVLS) in line with rail infrastructure needs for maintenance, inspection and security aspects.

EIM has set up a WG “Drones” to analyse the legislative landscape on this topic and propose coordinated actions by the rail sector.

EIM in action

The WG Drones meets to discuss regulatory matters, exchange experiences, address the need for specific EU legislation regarding the use of drones in the rail sector and to promote a coordinated approach among IMs on European level.
EIM seeks to increase the visibility of ERA and rail sector on the use of drones by IMs by following the relevant EASA activities.
EIM cooperates with CER and UIC regarding the regulatory and technical aspects of drones.

EIM actions in 2025

EIM continues the dialogue with EASA regarding the “Guidelines for UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) operations in the open category”, which concern the conditions for overfly/crossing (road and) railways.
EIM, engaged in discussions with ERA in order to push the Agency to cooperate with EASA on the issue of drones in rail. Eventually ERA signed a cooperation protocol and agreed to devote some resources on this matter
In Q4/2025 EASA got a new mandate to simplifying its Guidelines for UAS to be complemented with provisions covering security aspects.
The EIM WG Drone engaged with EASA and ERA to provide input as necessary, notably on the assessment of the risks linked to the flight of drones over rails tracks.

Outlook 2026

EIM’s WG “Drones” will continue engaging with EASA and ERA on the Guidelines and to promote the institutional dialogue between the two agencies.
EIM will appoint experts from its members to engage with EASA and ERA on assessing the impact of drones on railway infrastructure, with particular attention to safety risks (including fatalities) and operational disruption.

Objective

The TSIs related to fixed installations (such as ENE, INF, PRM) require compliance with the requirements when building new rail infrastructure or when upgrading or renewing existing rail infrastructure. The processes described in the Interoperability Directive (IOD) and the CIR250 lay down how compliance is ensured. It is also the case that IMs are approached by their Ministries of Transport to aid with the drafting of National Implementation Plans (NIPs) as many of the TSIs prescribe what Member States must do.

EIM’s WG “TIA” (TSI Implementation and Authorisation Processes) works on sharing both issues and solutions regarding processes related to TSI compliance involving Notified Bodies (NoBos) and National Safety Authorities (NSAs). EIM’s WG “TIA” also shares experiences, drafts processes and templates regarding NIPs.

EIM in action

EIM’s WG TIA is the youngest WG of EIM, which aims to identify and address issues and strategies related to TSI Compliance and TSI Implementation.
EIM’s WG TIA shares both issues and solutions regarding processes related to TSI compliance involving Notified Bodies (NoBos) and National Safety Authorities (NSAs). EIM’s WG TIA also shares experiences, drafts processes and templates regarding NIPs.

EIM actions in 2025

The WG focussed on the issues encountered with APIS-procedures for Upgrade and Renewal of existing infrastructure.
The WG organised a discussion with ERA regarding disagreements with NoBos on requirements in TSIs and the role of RFUs
The WG had a site visit to the Sweden for the urban tunnel project of Mälarbanan.

Outlook 2026

EIM’s WG “TIA” will work on the following topics:

Further develop APIS-observation No Room to Manoeuvre when interpretation issues arise. This for discussion with ERA.
Define a common proposal for a temporary APIS for existing infrastructure
Ensure NoBos involvement reflect the lessons learned NoBo-Issue log.
Create awareness at ERA on NoBo-certification issues in APIS-procedures for fixed installations