EU expands high speed rail network to connect capitals

The bloc outlines a long term plan to link capitals with faster cross border rail to rival air travel and cut emissions.

EU expands high speed rail network to connect capitals

The European Commission will present in autumn a plan to expand high speed rail across Europe. It emphasizes coordinated planning, financing and rolling stock that can operate across national borders. The aim is a passenger centered, affordable network that makes rail travel faster and more convenient than flying in many long distance trips. The plan targets a doubling of high speed rail traffic by 2030 and a tripling by 2050, backed by about €546 billion for nearly 49,400 km of track.

Interoperability remains a core hurdle. Different gauges, signalling systems and ticketing across member states slow cross border trips and raise costs. National operators often prioritize domestic routes due to budget pressures, which weakens the scale needed for a continent wide grid. The plan proposes standardised rolling stock, easier market access for new operators and a single ticketing system to simplify journeys. A direct 11 hour Prague Berlin Copenhagen service set for next year illustrates growing demand for cross border travel and tests the market for longer routes. If funding can be aligned with market access and passenger rights, the rail option could become a true climate friendly backbone for European mobility.

Highlights

The test for Europe is turning big plans into everyday journeys.