THE imminent opening of the St Pancras Eurostar terminal was in focus recently (Echo, Sept 5).

What was not featured was the need to ensure cross-border rail networks work safely together.

An EU issue in focus this week will be on the third reading of the act governing these regulations. The outcome will be considered by each nation's parliaments before an agreement to work in a particular way is reached.

The increase in people travelling has led to consideration of bringing passengers' rights together so that they do not face different situations from country to country.

A second focus is on the need to deal with pirate production of spare parts for cars. In the past, when one country has shut the pirates down they moved to another. It is important that all EU countries agree on the way that threats to safety are dealt with.

These issues are examples of mutually beneficial legislation agreed by all EU countries that do not make the headlines, but can be found through inquiry.

Bill Morehead, Darlington.