AERRL, ERFA, CER and EIM have jointly published a position paper calling for a more efficient, harmonised and predictable approach to ETCS System Compatibility Checks (ESC) across the European Union.
ESC tests continue to play an important role in verifying the technical compatibility between ETCS onboard equipment and trackside systems. However, their implementation currently differs significantly across Member States, resulting in unnecessary duplication, higher costs, longer authorisation timelines and reduced predictability for railway undertakings, rolling stock lessors and infrastructure managers.
In their joint position paper, the four organisations propose a set of practical measures to simplify the current framework while preserving safety and interoperability. The recommendations focus on five key priorities:
- improving EU-wide transparency of ESC tests;
- enabling the reuse of existing evidence where technical equivalence has been demonstrated;
- limiting the creation of new ESC types;
- promoting laboratory and simulation-based testing before on-track testing whenever possible; and
- ensuring a fair and balanced allocation of ESC-related costs.
The paper also underlines that, while a complete phase-out of ESC is not yet realistic, a clear European roadmap should be established with the support of the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) to progressively reduce unnecessary testing and improve the efficiency of the authorisation process.
By adopting this common position, AERRL, ERFA, CER and EIM reaffirm their shared commitment to strengthening interoperability and supporting the implementation of a more efficient and competitive Single European Railway Area.
Read the joint position paper here: https://aerrl.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-07-23_ESC_Position_Paper.pdf