Global Navigation Satellite System technology in the EU railway system

Question for written answer  E-001953/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Marian-Jean Marinescu (PPE)

In 2017, I proposed a pilot project regarding the use of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology for the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS).

The Commission’s answer was that the pilot project could not be implemented because there was already a similar project under way.

While the European Green Deal requests that larger quantities of freight be transferred from road to rail, the EU’s railways do not have the capacity for this increase in freight, for many reasons, including the low level of implementation of ERTMS.

ERTMS would enable safer and interoperable railway operations in the EU.

What is the concrete state of play of the implementation of GNSS technology in the EU railway system?

Is the Commission able to provide a roadmap for the implementation of GNSS technology in the ERTMS?