The adoption of Regulation (EU) 913/2010 not only provided the legal framework for the development of the Rail Freight Corridors (RFCs), but also sent a clear message to the railway sector that the European Commission wants to express its strong commitment to the promotion of the competitiveness of international rail freight in order to achieve a greater share in the transport market.

Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network (the TEN-T Regulation), published on 28 June 2024 and entering into force on 18 July 2024, introduces amendments to the RFC Regulation. The TEN-T Regulation establishes nine European Transport Corridors (ETCs), which now incorporate former Rail Freight Corridors. As a result, the RFC North Sea–Baltic (NS-B) now stretches across seven countries: the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.

To support the growth of international rail freight transport and ensure the effective implementation of the rail freight corridor concept, the following key actions are required:

• Increasing the attractiveness of rail freight as a competitive alternative
• Enhancing the governance structure of the Rail Freight Corridors
• Improving operational performance
• Ensuring sufficient capacity for all user

Each ETC, encompassing its relevant rail freight lines (formerly distinct RFCs), has a single, dedicated European Coordinator appointed by the European Commission. This Coordinator is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the entire corridor's infrastructure development, including the specific freight lines, and ensuring seamless cross-border operations and interoperability. The relevant RFC management boards now coordinate closely with their specific ETC's European Coordinator, formalizing the link between the two structures.