The Administrative Committee of OTIF –the Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail - gave its views on the Secretariat’s proposal for a new work programme for 2016-2017 on 19 and 20 January 2016.

The work programme sets out the Secretariat’s strategic and operational objectives. It was well received and was approved with a few amendments. It is an important tool for the Secretariat; digital and paper versions are disseminated to its various partners so that they can anticipate potential legal developments and have a clear idea of OTIF’s role.

Following on from the 2014-2015 work programme, the Secretariat of OTIF will continue to extend and develop application of the Convention concerning International Carriage by Rail (COTIF). OTIF will promote the Uniform Rules (CIV, CIM, CUV, CUI, APTU, ATMF) and the Regulation concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID).

In 2016-2017, interoperability beyond the European Union and its element of railway safety will be a project that will unify the Secretariat’s various sections.
OTIF will finally assert its role. Continuing to establish uniform railway law assumes that OTIF will become a forum, a place of exchange for developing an international rail system of connected and interoperable rail transport networks.