The European Commission requested Germany on May 17, to fully comply with EU law on railway safety under the Directive 2004/49/EC. Germany has failed to ensure that its regional transport networks are subject to the safety requirements set out by the Directive. In addition, the proper allocation of responsibilities regarding safety management and risk control has not been ensured, and reporting obligations to the investigating body have not been fully met. For these reasons, the Commission sent a reasoned opinion to the German authorities. They have two months to comply with their obligations. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer Germany to the Court of Justice of the EU.
The Directive requires Member States to establish an independent safety authority, independent accident and incident investigation body as well as to coherently allocate tasks and safety responsibilities. Under the Directive, Member States are required to define common railway safety principles.
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