The General Assembly, the highest body of OTIF, was convened in Geneva on 19/20 September under the chairmanship of Spain. For the first time, the General Assembly elected a French national, Mr. François Davenne, as Secretary General for the next term of office from 2013 to 2015.

The General Assembly also designated the members of the Administrative Committee, the administrative body of OTIF, which meets on a regular basis between the meetings of the General Assembly. The chairman of the Administrative Committee will be Mr. Franc Van der Steen from the Netherlands.

The General Assembly also decided that in view of the difficult budgetary situation in the Member States, OTIF’s budget should be stabilised in a way that allows it to carry out its functions in full throughout the next term of office. The General Assembly also took note of the activities that have been undertaken since its last session.