The Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) has put forth an ambitious plan for a comprehensive high-speed rail network connecting all European Union capitals and major cities, spanning over 49,400 kilometers, with trains operating at speeds between 250 and 350 km/h. The European Commission has committed to release this plan, covering over 49,400 kilometers of tracks, during 2025. This initiative, unveiled at the 8th Infrastructure and Transport Conference (ITC2025) in Athens, aims to establish rail as the primary mode of long-distance transport across the continent.
Alberto Mazzola, executive director of CER, emphasized the European Commission's commitment to prioritizing railways for more sustainable and resilient transportation, stating that the Commission is expected to adopt the overarching plan for high-speed connections in October 2025. If realized, this network could lead to 50% of Europeans traveling long distances by high-speed train and an additional 20% by conventional speed trains, positioning rail as the backbone of European transport. Mazzola also highlighted the critical need for Greece to integrate into this European rail network to avoid potential isolation.
Mazzola pointed out a significant deficit in current European rail infrastructure, noting that there is less rail infrastructure now than after World War II, with an average deficit of 15-20% per country. This deficit hinders the full utilization of existing capacity and the development of new initiatives. The implementation of this high-speed rail network is projected to take 25 years and is estimated to cost 546 billion euros. Funding is anticipated to come from a combination of European and national programs, with CER also suggesting the allocation of European defense spending towards infrastructure development.
The critical role of railways was underscored by Mazzola's reference to the war in Ukraine, where trains were essential for moving millions of people and refugees. This ambitious plan aligns with the EU's broader goals for decarbonization and economic integration. The European Commission has set targets to double high-speed rail traffic by 2030 and triple it by 2050, a vision that necessitates substantial investment and coordinated action. The development of such a network is expected to generate significant societal benefits, with estimates suggesting potential savings of over 100 million tonnes of CO2 per year by shifting traffic to high-speed rail. Furthermore, studies indicate that high-speed rail can lead to increased GDP growth and job creation, with regions benefiting from enhanced accessibility and economic development.
Historically, Europe has seen a decline in rail infrastructure investment since World War II. However, initiatives like the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) aim to address these deficits by setting standards for speed and interoperability. The proposed high-speed network seeks to overcome existing challenges, including a lack of cross-border compatibility and fragmented national regulations, by promoting interoperability and a unified market. Funding for such large-scale projects is a key consideration, with suggestions including public-private partnerships (PPPs), dedicated EU funding envelopes, and leveraging private capital. The EU's total investment in infrastructure, digital, and climate projects is set to reach 300 billion euros by 2027, underscoring the union's commitment to developing the transport sector. The success of this endeavor hinges on sustained political will and collaborative action across all EU member states to create a truly connected and sustainable European transport future.