EUROPE: Four European rail industry bodies have published a joint paper with five proposals to simplify ETCS system compatibility testing. However, several European rail bodies report that despite the sector-wide objective to simplify and then phase them out in the long term, ESC tests are still required in many countries. They published a position paper on July 23 with several proposals to remedy the situation; signatories included the Community of European Railway & Infrastructure Companies (CER), the European Rail Rolling Stock Lessors (AERRL), European Rail Infrastructure Managers (EIM) and the European Rail Freight Association. New system compatibility checks should only address residual risks not covered by existing rules. ‘More emphasis needed on root causes’The signatories conclude that while a complete and immediate phase-out of compatibility checks is unrealistic, actions are needed for simplification.