European Commission - Press release

Rail safety: Commission refers Denmark to the EU Court of Justice

Brussels, 26 February 2015
The European Commission has referred Denmark to the European Court of Justice for not fully and
correctly transposing European rules on rail safety (Directive 2004/49/EC). The rules aim to ensure
safety on the railways and improve access to the market for rail transport services. Member States are
required to harmonise the regulatory structures, define safety responsibilities between actors as well as
develop common safety targets and safety methods. The harmonisation of national rules requires the
establishment of a national safety authority and an accident and incident investigating body. The
deadline for implementation was 30 April 2006.

Background
The Commission had already requested Denmark to transpose the directive through a reasoned opinion
(the second stage of the infringement procedure) in January 2014. However, the necessary legislative
steps have not been taken. The Commission concluded that Denmark has failed to take action, in
particular regarding the status of the investigation and the independence of the investigating body.

For more information

On the February infringement package decisions, see MEMO/15/4489
On the general infringement procedure, see MEMO/12/12
For more information on infringement procedures:
http://ec.europa.eu/eu_law/infringements/infringements_en.htm
IP/15/4498
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