Consultation on Consultation Guidelines
In accordance with Article 57 of the Capacity Regulation, ENIM, the network coordinator and infrastructure managers are required to consult interested parties on a range of issues related to European and cross-border railway matters.
To this end, ENIM is required to develop and consult on Consultation Guidelines, before adopting and implementing them, to ensure regular and appropriate stakeholder consultations.
The Consultation Guidelines set out a common framework for planning and conducting stakeholder consultations. They define the key principles underpinning consultations and also establish practical rules covering the different stages of the consultation process, from the publication and communication of consultation documents and the organisation of consultation activities to the submission, assessment and consideration of stakeholder feedback.
They clarify how feedback should be addressed and documented, including the provision of reasons where significant input is not taken into account, as well as the publication of consultation outcomes where appropriate.
The Consultation Guidelines are a tool for all actors of European railway, aiming to provide a framework for fostering a more constructive and cooperative dialogue across the sector. They encourage approaches to stakeholder engagement that go beyond formal legal consultation requirements, with the objective of strengthening cooperation between ENIM, infrastructure managers and operational stakeholders. By promoting regular dialogue and a better mutual understanding of stakeholders’ perspectives, needs and challenges, the Guidelines seek to support a shared understanding of the issues at stake and facilitate more effective and coordinated solutions.
Who is consulted?
The consultation on the Consultation Guidelines covers a broad range of operational, and sectoral stakeholders, including:
- the European Railway Platform (ERP), once established;
- applicants and other operational stakeholders;
How to participate in the consultation?
Stakeholders are invited to submit their feedback through a structured template, allowing for input reflecting the content of specific chapters of the Consultation Guidelines. General comments may also be provided in the same template.
The deadline to provide feedback is 22 October 2026 23:59 CET
Send your feedback to the following email, or contact us if additional support or information is needed:
Next steps
ENIM will analyse the feedback received and take it into account when revising and finalising the CG. Feedback will also be published on the ENIM website within a reasonable timeframe, subject to applicable confidentiality, data protection and other legal requirements. Stakeholders may request that their contributions be anonymised.
Following adoption by the ENIM Plenary, the final Consultation Guidelines will be published on the ENIM website.
Guiding principles
The consultation process is based on principles of inclusivity, transparency, non-discrimination, accountability and proportionality. These principles aim to provide stakeholders with a clear, predictable and transparent framework for contributing to the development of the Consultation Guidelines.