From 2024, Switzerland will lose access to the EU platform for harmonised approval procedures for new rolling stock. This is tantamount to a further step towards isolation in international rail transport. Unless European-Helvetic relations normalise.
This is what it’s all about:
- Access to “One Stop Shop” will only be extended until the end of 2023
- From then on, the EU will treat Switzerland as a third country.
- This jeopardises modal shift, digitalisation and automation
The decision of the joint committee on the land transport agreement with the EU on the fourth railway package has so far secured Switzerland access to the “One Stop Shop” (OSS) database of the European Railway Agency (ERA). OSS contains common simplified procedures for vehicle approvals and safety certificates in cross-border rail traffic. According to the FOT (cf. publication in german), this access will only be extended until the end of 2023.
This decision is due to the unresolved issues in the bilateral relationship between Switzerland and the EU. Separate procedures are expected to take effect from 2024. The same applies to the agreements on border operating routes.
It is urgently necessary for Switzerland to clearly declare its support for cooperation with the European states. Otherwise, both the modal shift and the digitalisation and automation of rail freight transport are at risk.
