EIM was created in 2002 with the principal purpose of providing a single voice to represent its members vis-à-vis the relevant European institutions and sector stakeholders.
EIM also assists members in developing their businesses through the sharing of experiences and contributing to the technical and safety activities of the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA).
Specifically, it has encouraged the inclusion of private entities in the provision of both services and infrastructure; it has observed several major projects being completed via PPPs, such as the Channel Tunnel, the Öresund Bridge, and LGV Sud Europe Atlantique.
[10][11] During late 2018, EIM gave its public support to the 'Graz Declaration', a political initiative focused on the development of environment-friendly transportation in Europe.
[12] During mid 2020, EIM publicly outlined proposals on how the development and deployment of the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) should be tackled.
The PMC and the TSG may be assisted by internal working groups to address specific questions and to monitor special areas of interest.