European Parliament
Alfredo Antoniozzi  (PPE ).
(IT)
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the creation of a single European railway area provides a major opportunity to support economic recovery and make the single market more competitive.
The variety of national railway systems hampers this process: numerous legislative barriers slow down development in the sector and limit the competitiveness of rail transport. We should establish transparent rules on access to rail-related services and service facilities, such as freight terminals, maintenance facilities and marshalling yards. Ms Serracchiani’s report is a step in that direction, and that is why I voted for it.
The Council is calling for too long a period – up to 36 months – for this new directive to enter into force. Accordingly, I endorse the rapporteur’s request to set a period of 12 months for the transposition of the entire directive.

