Oana Gherghinescu appointed as new Executive Director of the European Union Agency for Railways
Oana Gherghinescu has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA), following a vote conducted by the ERA Management Board on 19 March 2025. The announcement was made by UNIFE, the European Rail Supply Industry association, marking a pivotal moment for the agency responsible for the harmonisation of Europe's rail network. Gherghinescu, a seasoned rail expert from Romania, secured the position by overcoming competition from Laurent Cébulski of France and Matej Zakonjšek from Slovenia, succeeding Josef Doppelbauer, who has led the agency for a decade.
Gherghinescu's appointment comes at a crucial time for ERA as it addresses key issues relating to safety, interoperability, and the integration of advanced systems, particularly the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). The urgency for Europe’s rail infrastructure to enhance capacity while simultaneously reducing emissions places Gherghinescu’s leadership in a critical spotlight, with the potential to significantly impact the development of the continent's transport sector for years to come.
Prior to her new role, Gherghinescu served as the General Director of Romania’s Railway Safety Authority (ASFR) and held the position of Head of Safety and Operations at ERA since 2020. Her extensive background in rail regulation includes responsibilities in safety certification and cross-border vehicle approvals—key functions of ERA following the Fourth Railway Package initiated in 2016. UNIFE has described her as a “dedicated professional” due to her combination of national and European Union-level expertise.
The selection process for the position was initiated by the European Commission in June 2024 and included thorough evaluations, leading to Gherghinescu being shortlisted in February 2025. After securing the Management Board’s vote, she is set to take office on 1 June 2025 for an initial five-year term, with the option for renewal.
Gherghinescu steps into her new role with a comprehensive agenda. Notably, ERA is tasked with overseeing the transition from the outdated GSM-R communication system to the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS), a significant venture co-funded by Europe’s Rail and Smart Networks Joint Undertakings. Additionally, she will lead the efforts in advancing ERTMS deployment, which is essential for standardising Europe’s disparate signalling systems—a key component of the Single European Railway Area initiative.
As Josef Doppelbauer concludes his tenure, he is commemorated at the 2025 European Railway Award for the impactful decade he spent at the helm of ERA. Gherghinescu’s appointment is viewed by UNIFE as a herald for a new era filled with innovation and unity. In light of Europe’s ambitions to leverage rail transport to meet climate objectives, her adept navigation through the intertwined realms of policy making, technology, and political dynamics will be crucial for advancing the rail sector in the years ahead.