European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS): Supporting competition on the European rail network?

Reform of the railway in Europe, which is based on a split between network and operating, is deeply linked with the improvements of the quality of service of the railway network. It is indeed clear that competition on the network will only work if network activities are reliable, fair und optimally priced. On this point rail operation in Europe remains connected through a fragmented network in which it was still difficult for the engines to cross national borders. Interoperability must be improved. Designed to strengthen the European integration, interoperability is the right concept for thinking open and competitive systems of transport. The European Commission (EC) decided to set up directly a single standard for a signalling system, the European Rail Traffic Management System. Thus, the EC was making the choice of a radical innovation for all Member States rather than promoting the extension of an existing national system.Why was such a direct action taken in the complex framework of rail signalling system? Will this action strengthen competition?