ERA and DG INTPA sign €5 million cooperation agreement to support partner countries

As part of a shared effort by the European Commission, the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) and the European railway sector to promote safe, interoperable and sustainable rail systems worldwide, ERA and the European Commission's Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), working in close cooperation with the Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE), launched a new phase of their collaboration through the signature of a €5 million Contribution Agreement covering the period 2026-2030 at InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin.

Under the agreement, DG INTPA entrusts ERA with the implementation of railway cooperation activities in partner countries across:

• Sub-Saharan Africa;
• Asia and the Pacific;
• Latin America and the Caribbean.

The programme supports the development of railway systems as an inclusive, equitable, smart, clean, safe and sustainable mode of transport, in synergy with the Global Gateway strategy, the European Union's initiative to strengthen sustainable transport and connectivity links between Europe and partner regions worldwide.

Building on its expertise in railway safety and interoperability, ERA will work with national administrations, regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders across these regions to strengthen institutional capacities, support the development of regulatory frameworks, and promote international and European technical standards and best practices. A true work of Team Europe.

Activities supported under the programme may include:

• Capacity-building and training programmes;
• Technical assistance tailored to local needs;
• Expert missions and peer-to-peer exchanges with European railway stakeholders;
• Workshops, seminars and knowledge-sharing activities;
• Study visits and practical learning opportunities;
• Support for the adoption of international standards and best practices;
• Assistance in strengthening institutional and governance capacities in the railway sector.

The agreement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening railway capacity and fostering international cooperation in support of safe, efficient and sustainable transport systems worldwide.

The European Union Agency for railways is excited to begin this partnership and look forward to helping partner countries strengthen their railway systems through the exchange of expertise, knowledge and best practices, while supporting the development of rail as one of the world's cleanest modes of transport.

Through this cooperation, ERA is proud to support the European Commission's international rail agenda by bringing its long-standing expertise in railway safety, interoperability and ERTMS. Drawing on the robustness of the European railway model and decades of experience in developing a harmonised regulatory framework, the Agency will contribute technical knowledge that can help partner countries advance safe, efficient and interoperable railway systems.

Signature of the cooperation agreement and panel discussion at InnoTrans 2026: