European Railway Agency (ERA) Executive Director Josef Doppelbauer and Land Transport Director of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Transport Christian Schmitt will travel to Athens tomorrow to meet with the relevant Greek authorities. on technical support for the modernization and safety of Greek railways.

The visit of the Commission and ERA experts was announced by Commission Chair Ursula von der Leyen after a telephone conversation that took place on the morning of March 6 with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

The schedule for holding expert meetings in Athens has not been determined, the representative of the commission clarifies. On behalf of the Commission, during her visit to Athens, Elžbieta Lukanjuk, who is responsible for railway security issues in the office of the Transport Commissioner Adina Valean, will take part.

ERA reported that on 03.06.2023 the Hellenic Railway Safety Regulatory Authority (RAS) requested its assistance in regards to the RAS supervisory activities.

With regard to the investigation of the causes of an accident, the ERA states: “According to Safety Directive (EU) 2016/798, the obligation to investigate accidents belongs to the Member State (Article 20.1): “Member States must ensure that the investigation is conducted by the investigating authority referred to in Article 22, after any major accident on the Union railway system. The purpose of the study is to improve railway safety and prevent accidents wherever possible.”

RES-EMP source