Digirail presented its solutions to European railway industry leaders at the ERTMS Forum held in Helsinki. In particular, the radio-network-based implementation and the collaboration model sparked interest. Digirail’s progress and international interest will remain crucial for Finland also in the future.
The organisations, authorities, and EU-level stakeholders promoting the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) gathered in Helsinki in March for the ERTMS Forum, hosted by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, and Fintraffic.
The two-day event focused on the rollout of ERTMS in Europe, as well as the experiences and solutions of various countries. The day’s discussions at the Commission were led by the European Coordinator for ERTMS Matthias Ruete, and the Finnish session was chaired by Juha Lehtola from the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency and Jari Pylvänäinen from Fintraffic.
Finnish solutions attracted widespread interest
The highlight of the event in Finland was, in particular, the Finnish solutions for digitalising train control. Among the topics discussed were the radio-network-based solution, innovations developed by companies, security considerations, and ongoing testing. In the discussions, the close cooperation within the railway sector also emerged as a key factor in the project’s progress.
Digirail generated a great deal of interest among participants, particularly with regard to the radio-network-based Pre-FRMCS solution. Representatives from the European Commission, ERA, and various member states expressed interest in the readiness of Finland’s solution and the cost savings it would enable. The alliance model and the rapid progress of construction work on the first commercial track section, Tampere–Pori/Rauma, also piqued a lot of interest.
“The event received praise from participants for both its content and its organisation.” The close cooperation among Finnish stakeholders and their unified message came across very well to the guests. “Finland demonstrated exemplary unity and a shared commitment to a common cause,” says Senior Ministerial Adviser Jarkko Paldanius of the Ministry of Transport and Communications.”
Digirail as part of European development
The third work program of the European Coordinator for ERTMS highlights the growing need for European coordination. Finland was at the forefront of promoting this goal by hosting the first ERTMS Forum in 2026. These forums, held three times a year, will continue to serve as an important channel for advocacy for the Digirail project.
Digirail wants the utilisation of commercial networks to be part of EU regulation. The ERTMS Forum provided an excellent opportunity to showcase innovative solutions to key European decision-makers and to strengthen Finland’s position as a key influencer in future regulation. Finland strongly believes that Digirail’s radio-network solution will improve the competitiveness of rail transport throughout the EU and promote the goals of sustainable mobility.
“It is in the Finnish government’s interest that the solutions developed under the Digirail project generate widespread interest in Europe.” This allows for the necessary technical exceptions and maximises potential EU funding. “It is equally important that Finland creates innovations that benefit all of Europe while also creating new jobs, expertise, and export opportunities in Finland,” says Paldanius.