ETCS is European train control system, which is a form of PTC that works with transponders on the track, a bit like what Amtrak has developed, which is not compatible with the electronic train management system adopted by other systems in the States. However, 20 years ago they decided in Europe that the 30 countries have to become interoperable, so they created something called the European rail traffic management system.
On April 24th, 2012. See this statement in context.