Differences in national insurance operations and requirements may hamper further integration in the European rail market. COWI has analysed potential barriers and recommended future action.
All railway undertakings must be adequately insured in order to operate in the European railway market. But differences in national requirements and ways of operation may hamper further integration of railway operations in Europe.
This study aimed to identity and analyse barriers to fair access to rail infrastructure, specifically those relating to railway insurance. An area of particular attention was the difficulties of small or new railway undertakings in obtaining sufficient insurance coverage.
Our analysis covered member state legislation on insurance and licensing as well as the conditions on the national insurance makets. We retrieved information through desk studies, questionaires followed up by broad consultations and interviews with targeted stakeholders.
The study provided new insight into the functions of the railway insurance market and uncovered the existence of a dual-layer insurance market for railway undertakings. On this basis, we recommended future initiatives to support the internal railway market in Europe
Region: European UnionClient: European Commission, DG TRENServices:Development of approach and methodologyStudy of legislation and insurance marketsAnalysis of the conditions on insurance marketsDesk studies, questionnaire survey and stakeholder interviewsIdentification and analysis of trade barriers in the railway sectorRecommendations on improving the internal railway market in the EU
Period: Dec. 2005 - Sep. 2006