New ERA, New Rules? Oana Gherghinescu Faces Rail Industry’s Biggest Test Yet

Regulations might not sound thrilling, but in the world of European rail, they shape the future. With Oana Gherghinescu stepping in as the new ERA Executive Director, the industry is at a turning point.

The European railway sector is entering a period of critical transformation, and at the heart of this evolution is the newly appointed Executive Director of the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA), Oana Gherghinescu. With a track record of leadership at ERA and extensive experience in European policy, her appointment is being welcomed by the industry. But with significant regulatory and technological challenges ahead, her role will be anything but routine.

According to IRJ, Gherghinescu steps into the role at a time when decisive action is needed on key initiatives, including the European Train Control System (ETCS), Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS), and Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC). These technologies are essential for enhancing interoperability, efficiency, and sustainability across Europe’s railway networks. Enno Wiebe, UNIFE’s Director General, stated: "The Agency has consistently been a deeply valued and reliable partner with UNIFE, and we want to keep this relationship strong, for the benefit of consumers, the European industry, and the railway sector."

Key Priorities and Industry Expectations

The railway industry is looking to ERA for streamlined regulatory processes and increased efficiency. One of the most pressing concerns is harmonising operational rules across EU member states, which would reduce bureaucratic roadblocks and make cross-border rail transport more competitive. Another major focus is the modernisation of the vehicle authorisation process. As ETCS and FRMCS retrofitting projects gain momentum, the demand for quicker and more predictable approvals will only grow. Therefore, UNIFE is calling for pragmatic solutions that balance safety, efficiency, and innovation.

Beyond these technical aspects, cybersecurity and digital network resilience have also become top priorities. The increased digitalisation of rail systems brings new vulnerabilities, making it essential for ERA to establish clear and robust security frameworks.

RailwayPRO reports that Gherghinescu’s leadership is also expected to play a key role in advancing the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and the Single European Railway Area. These initiatives are crucial for achieving the EU’s climate goals by making rail a more attractive and competitive mode of transport. UNIFE has made it clear that it supports a well-funded and well-resourced ERA, particularly at a time of rapid technological advancements and global uncertainties. Wiebe stated: "Strong leadership and the adoption of pragmatic solutions are required to simplify and accelerate the introduction of innovative technology solutions towards a more efficient, attractive, and competitive European railway network."

A Career Built for the Challenge

According to the press release from UNIFE, Gherghinescu brings over a decade of experience at ERA, where she has held senior positions in the Executive Unit Office, Corporate Performance, and Finance and Procurement. Her background also includes roles at the European Commission and academia, where she worked as a Lecturer and Researcher in Economics at the University of Craiova. With such a diverse professional history, she is expected to bring both institutional knowledge and a business-oriented perspective to the role as her ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes will be crucial as the railway sector adapts to evolving challenges. As Europe pushes forward with railway digitalisation and sustainability efforts, Gherghinescu’s leadership at ERA will be instrumental in ensuring that rail remains a pillar of the EU’s transport strategy.

The management board of the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) selected Oana Gherghinescu to be the next ERA executive director on March 19. //t.co/MRAJXBaIt4

— IRJ (@railjournal) March 19, 2025

The Road Ahead: Innovation, Efficiency, and Collaboration

While expectations are high, industry leaders see this transition as an opportunity for fresh ideas and practical problem-solving. Wiebe pointed out the need for efficiency and regulatory predictability, stating: "It is now time to bring increased efficiency of procedures and regulatory predictability to the sector, which is vital to maintain the competitiveness of the European Rail Supply Industry."

Source: UNIFE Press Release; IRJ; RailwayPRO