On 5 November, the European Commission presented its master plan for a pan-European high-speed rail network designed to transform sustainable mobility within the European Union.
The Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) and Eurocities voiced their support through a joint declaration highlighting the ambition to triple high-speed rail traffic by 2050—boosting economic growth, territorial cohesion, and climate action.
A pan-European high-speed network to reduce air travel dependency
Based on the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), the pan-European network aims to link every EU capital and major city via efficient high-speed corridors, served by modern rolling stock capable of attracting half of all long-distance travellers.
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The required investment is estimated at €546 billion, combining European, national, and private funding. For Spain, this will involve the construction of the Dax–Hendaye HSL on the French side and the completion of the Madrid–Extremadura–Lisbon link.
The plan includes measures to dismantle technical and operational barriers, promote full interoperability through the rollout of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), and speed up authorisation and permitting procedures.
It also seeks to foster fair competition among operators, facilitating the purchase and leasing of rolling stock and ensuring equitable access to rail facilities and services.
Another key aspect is the integration of high-speed rail with local mobility networks and other transport modes, enabling smooth, end-to-end connectivity for passengers.
The initiative strengthens European rail governance through enhanced coordination and monitoring of network implementation. A “High-Speed Rail Deal” is foreseen to mobilise strategic investment from both public and private stakeholders.
Lastly, the project aspires to make high-speed rail a flagship of sustainable infrastructure—powered by renewable electricity, resilient to extreme weather, and central to the EU’s green objectives.
Initial endorsements from rail executives, including Renfe’s CEO, and mayors from cities such as Łódź, Budapest, Amsterdam, and Mannheim already back this roadmap, which envisions a more connected and greener Europe by 2040.