The Network Statement presents the characteristics of the Portuguese railway system and explains the general conditions to acquire capacity and services.

In addition to presenting the characteristics of the network, it also outlines access conditions, describes the services which REFER provides to Railway undertakings seeking to operate transport services, as well as detailing the principles of rate setting and the respective access charges.

In compliance with Decree-Law 270/2003, altered by Decree-Law 231/2007, the aim of the Directory is to supply Railway undertakings with the information they require to access and use the national railway infrastructure, managed by REFER.