Expatica news

Belgians appointed as European Union rail czars

15 April 2005

BRUSSELS – Two of Belgium’s leading heads of business are in the line-up to run two of Europe’s biggest rail projects.

On Friday, L’Echo reported that the European Commission could soon approve the nominations of Etienne Davignon and Karel Vinck in its selection of six project leaders.

Davignon, a well known Belgian industrialist and former EU Commissioner, has been proposed to coordinate the prestigious ‘South-West’ scheme which aims to link France and Spain through two high-speed trains, crossing Cataluyna and the Basque region.

A goods train would also cross the central Pyrenees under the plans.

Karel Vinck, the head of Belgian rail operator SNCB, could oversee the introduction of more sophisticated signalling systems in the EU, which would be unique to Europe.

[Copyright Expatica 2005]

Subject: Belgian news