International collaboration

Generally speaking, there has been a trend towards greater internationalisation and standardisation of railway operations throughout Europe. The Authority therefore aims to participate actively in the relevant international forums to contribute to the exchange of experiences about traffic safety, to obtain information concerning developments in other countries and to promote regulatory standardisation, in particular with the EU. Norway has traditionally collaborated closely with Sweden and Denmark on cross-border traffic. This is work that will continue both between the infrastructure managers, the rail companies and the supervisory authorities.

The Norwegian Railway Authority participates as an observer on relevant EU committees and other EEA forums on behalf of the Ministry of Transport and Communication. The Authority also serves as Norway's representative on the council of the European Railway Agency (ERA) and in various working groups established by the Agency.

In addition, the Authority collaborates with other railway authorities at the Nordic level and within the EEA area. Consultative bodies have been created at the Nordic level (Nordic forum – NID) and at the European level (International Liaison Group of Government Railway Inspectorates – ILGGRI)

The Authority places a high priority on its participation in international standardisation efforts because many European standards are made mandatory in Norway through our connection with the EU.