Talks between experts from the Commission and the European Railways Agency (ERA) are ongoing with Greek government officials in Athens to “determine” the cooperation they will have with the aim of modernizing the Greek railway network and especially its security.

Christian Schmidt of the Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (MOVE) and Josef Doppelbauer, ERA’s chief executive, are in Athens, Kathimerini reported yesterday.

Greek Commissioner Margaritis Schinas mentioned the presence of Commission experts today during a briefing by European correspondents. At the beginning of his opening speech on the occasion of the anniversary of the entry into force of the temporary directive on the temporary protection of Ukrainian refugees, Mr. Schinas expressed regret on behalf of the entire College of Commissioners in connection with the tragic incident in Tempe.

“Today, when I first have the opportunity to be in the press room of the Commission, I want to express the pain of all of us because of the unspeakable disaster, there are no words, no words to express what I feel at this time, Mr. Rope.

“I would like to reaffirm the President’s commitment, as was clear from her communication with the Greek Prime Minister, to help where needed, and as we speak, the Commission’s experts are already in Athens to determine this cooperation,” – he said.

Request from RAS to ERA

In a related K communication with ERA, the European Railway Agency clarifies that it has not received requests for assistance in the investigation of the accident. However, he confirms that the Greek authorities and the ERA are in contact to find common ground on this issue as well.

ERA also confirms that on March 6, the Railway Regulatory Authority (RAS) requested the European Agency to assist it in their oversight activities, but not in the investigation of the accident.

The organization does not have the authority to directly oversee/control the Infrastructure Manager (OSE), ERA clarifies. It states that both approval and ongoing oversight of the safety management system are within the purview of the national regulatory authority.