Participation in the ERTMS 2026 Conference

The 2026 ERTMS Conference, organized by the European Railway Agency (ERA), took place from April 21 to 23, 2026, in Valenciennes, France. Martin Sommer and Juan Simón-Muzás, Research Associates at the Chair of Railway Signaling and Transport Safety Technology, were two of the approximately 600 participants.

The first day featured a workshop that included brainstorming sessions on proposals for achieving specific goals in the near future. In addition, practical examples of real-world scenarios involving the European Train Control System (ETCS) were presented and discussed using simulators and railway models.

Over the following two days, the challenges facing the European Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS) were presented in lectures and discussed in panel discussions, with a particular focus on the need for further harmonization of national ETCS implementations, the upcoming Future Radio Mobile Communication System (FRMCS), the urgent need for cost reduction, a stronger European coordination role, and greater commitment on the part of member states. In addition, several manufacturers presented new, advanced developments, particularly in the field of Automatic Train Operation (ATO).

The breaks and evening events provided a good opportunity to engage in interesting conversations in various languages with representatives from railway infrastructure companies, manufacturers, and railway authorities.

© ERA