Lucy Anderson (S&D). – Mr President, the proposals we are voting on today are a welcome harmonisation of railway safety and technical rules. The new system will be subject also to a pragmatic three-year implementation period and, I’m glad to say, also one year possibility of extension, if necessary. Overall it’s very good news that, as a result of this legislation, operators and manufacturers will find it easier to run trains across Europe, and the safety of passengers and workers on cross-border services will be protected more effectively. Technological development in railways is increasing internationally, and this must be recognised and supported in the right way. We also need to encourage a shift to rail travel away from more environmentally damaging modes of travel, and all of this development assistance in this. Crucially, although the three texts are largely technical they do include provisions designed to promote a safety culture and protect reporting of incidents – and this is very welcome – as well as the sharing of best practice and information.