The European Commission has outlined plans for a high-speed rail network that could connect major European cities by 2040, cutting journey times significantly. Under the proposal, travel between Berlin and Copenhagen could be reduced from seven hours to four by 2030, while the journey from Sofia to Athens would shrink from nearly 14 hours to six by 2035.
The plan envisions trains reaching speeds above 250km/h (155mph) where feasible, making rail a more attractive alternative to short-haul flights. New cross-border links would slash travel times between Tallinn and Riga from over six hours to 1 hour 45 minutes, and between Lisbon and Madrid from nine hours to three.
Currently, Europe's 12,128km high-speed network is concentrated in France, Germany, Italy and Spain, leaving central and eastern Europe poorly connected. The Commission estimates €546bn (£481bn) is needed to triple the network, and has promised a financing strategy to incentivise national governments and private investment.
Other measures include improved pan-European signalling and ticketing systems. EU Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas said passengers should eventually be able to book cross-border tickets, including combined rail-air tickets, through a single website. Legislative proposals to ensure this are expected in early 2026.
Consumer group BEUC welcomed the plans as a step forward for sustainable travel, while rail industry body CER said the speed targets would help rail compete with short-haul travel. However, independent rail expert Jon Worth expressed scepticism, noting a lack of funding details and few concrete projects, calling the plan 'aspirational' rather than a real strategy.
