European Parliament
Iva Zanicchi  (PPE ).
(IT)
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, after long and difficult negotiations, an agreement has been reached that provides Europe’s rail infrastructure with the right balance between financial transparency and the flexibility needed to secure adequate investment. In particular, the minimum five-year term for contracts between Member States and network managers guarantees the medium- and long-term investment planning that is vital for the rail sector. I would, however, have thought it worthwhile to include measures on the opening up of the national rail passenger market so as to complete the European single market and not to penalise those companies that already operate in open markets.

