According to Article 20(1) of Directive (EU) 2016/798[1], it is the Member State’s obligation to ensure that an independent investigation is carried out after any serious rail accident on the Union rail system.

The European Union Agency for Railways can only assist in an investigation at the request of a national investigation body, which was the case for the Tempi accident. The Agency however cannot replace the national investigation body in its role.

On 16 December 2024, the Commission has opened infringement proceedings against Greece for failure to align with the requirements of Directive (EU) 2016/798 (INFR(2023)2036[2]).

The infringement addresses several long-standing systemic shortcomings in the functioning of the Greek rail system, identified during an audit by the European Union Agency for Railways.

Most of these shortcomings were recently also confirmed in the Tempi accident investigation report prepared by the Hellenic Air and Rail Safety Investigation Authority (HARSIA).

The Greek authorities have already on 3 April 2024 prepared an Action Plan to address the identified shortcomings, which is now being implemented.

The Commission monitors progress of this implementation on the basis of regular reports received from Greece. In case the progress is deemed unsatisfactorily, the Commission will take all the necessary measures.

Last updated: 1 July 2025