On the occasion of the preparations for the European & Railway Affairs (ETCR) 2016 training programme, Mr Colin CHARMAN, President of the European Training Centre for Railways (ETCR) kindly accepted to reply to our questions about the course.
When was the ETCR programme started?
The first ETCR seminar was held in 1963.
How many participants attend per year?
Each year, between 20 and 50 participants attend the annual two-week seminar. The seminar offers a unique opportunity for people in the international rail industry to get together, and learn about the railways in Europe. A series of lectures, discussions, technical visits and study sessions cover a wide range of topics which are relevant to the European rail industry. Subjects include competition, other modes of transport, standards, and law, as well as an understanding of how the EU and its various agencies work within the transport arena. The course also provides an excellent networking opportunity. Additionally, there is an ETCR Alumni group, which brings together all former trainees for an annual study and social weekend, increasing the networking opportunities.
Which is, from your point of view, the main advantage for the participants of the course? And last but not least … why Bruges?
The seminar is held at the College of Europe in Bruges. The ETCR and the College of Europe have collaborated for many years via this course, as well as occasional one- or two-day seminars. The College has excellent links to the various EU institutions and Bruges is a perfect location to study, as well as an historic town with a vibrant life.
In 2015 the European Rail Agency joined the organization, so it can be seen that ETCR is truly an academic international railway seminar.