The directive should have been implemented by each European Union (EU) member state before June 16 2015 so as Greece, Luxembourg and Romania failed to do so, they were sent a formal notice by the EC in July 2015, followed by a reasoned opinion in February 2016. As the three countries failed to comply, the EC has decided to start infringement proceedings.

The directive aims on strengthening the role of national rail regulatory bodies in relation to their competences for rail facilities such as terminals and stations.

Member states are obliged to base their relations with infrastructure managers on multi-annual contracts which set out mutual obligations regarding to the structure of the payment, and the infrastructure service quality to be provided by infrastructure managers.

The Directive also sets requirements for financial transparency. Infrastructure managers and train operators are obliged to keep separate accounts, publish them separately and control financial flows.