ETCR organises an annual 2-week seminar about developments within the railway sector on a European level. Participants get the unique opportunity to work in an international environment, to set up a network among colleagues from all European countries and to think about the challenges within their sector, on both national and international levels. They get the opportunity to confront challenges from their daily business with the solutions others may have given to similar issues in other European countries.

The course covers a wide range of topics relevant to the railway sector, such as customers (passengers and freight), intermodal transport (road transport, aviation, waterways). Lecturers are experienced and high level actors of the European Transport Sector and include the European Commission, the European Parliament, the European Union Agency for Railways, European railway associations such as CER and EIM.

Participants are requested to enter into an open dialogue with the lecturers and to work in a multicultural group on an innovative project or current railway issue. After the course all participants can benefit from an active Alumni-network in Europe and beyond.

The working language of ETCR is English (Minimum requirement: Level B2).

 

THE SEMINAR PROGRAMME

The ETCR seminar, lasting two weeks, covers the following issues:

  • European integration from a historical and socio-economic point of view;
  • important rail transport issues within Europe;
  • other modes of transport;
  • the viewpoint of the railway customers;
  • professional and cultural exchanges;
  • international teamwork on the basis of a realistic project at European level.


THE SPEAKERS

  • experts in legal and historical aspects of European integration;
  • decision makers from the European Commission and Parliament;
  • competitors from all other modes of transport;
  • new entrants within the railway sector;
  • customer representatives (both passengers and freight).


WHERE?

The ETCR seminar takes place at the College of Europe, in Bruges. Participants will reside together in a residence building of the College.


COST

The fee (€ 3.500,00) to be paid by the Railway Company or organisation of the participant, includes accommodation during the two weeks with full-board regime during the training days.


RECOMMENDATIONS

Candidates:

  • are or will be carrying out important managerial functions and want to understand how the international railway sector works;
  • ideally they have been working within the railway sector for at least 3 years;
  • have an academic background or equivalent professional experience;
  • must be able to actively contribute to the plenary debate and to the discussions in small groups.


WHEN?

Each year, the ETCR course is organised during the summer, as a full-time two-week seminar. In 2025, it will take place from 30 June to 11 July. During this period, participants attend courses and workshops and work together on a general project, the result of which is presented and evaluated at the end of the course.