Meeting the Members: VDB

As part of the UNIFE Director General’s initiative “Meeting UNIFE Members and partners”, Enno Wiebe met the Managing Director Sarah Stark of the German Railway Industry Association (VDB) and the General Manager Axel Schuppe in Brussels on 24 July, for an open exchange on European politics, the UNIFE priorities for the months to come and the interplay between UNIFE and VDB. The German Association combines the interests of more than 210 member companies in Germany. During our talks in Brussels, a particular attention was given to the current challenges for the rail supply industry (need for sufficient funding for successful deployment, the Hungarian EU Council Presidency as well as ETCS and FRMCS), but the opportunities for good cooperation with the European Commission and its agencies were also discussed (ERA, ENISA, etc.). Great interest was focused on the new Parliament, the new Commission and the new Executive Director of ERA, linked to the electoral processes.

The discussions between UNIFE and VDB covered almost all current important topics (ranging from vehicle authorisation, the Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSIs) to public procurement and the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT)). A possible improvement in cooperation between the European Association UNIFE and the National Associations was talked through. The importance of having a concentrated approach at European level and at the national level was particularly emphasised. Without a doubt, a coordinated approach at both European and national levels is a win-win for both UNIFE and the National Associations, but ultimately it is for the greater good of the rail supply industry.

 

For more information contact Enno Wiebe