Overview
- The European Commission set out a trans‑European high‑speed network linking national capitals by 2040, aiming for 200 km/h or faster and publishing example journeys such as Berlin–Copenhagen in four hours, Sofia–Athens in six and Madrid–Lisbon in three.
- Brussels estimates the build‑out at roughly €550 billion and points to a coordinated funding mix spanning the 2028–2034 EU budget, the European Investment Bank and private capital.
- Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas said binding timetables to clear cross‑border rail bottlenecks will be set for 2027 and he is arranging a border meeting with Spanish and French transport ministers to address Spain–France choke points.
- The plan advances market opening and competition and foresees an EU digital system to book cross‑border trips with multiple operators in a single purchase, with a proposal expected at the start of 2026.
- Parallel national steps continue, including a Spain–Portugal agreement targeting Madrid–Lisbon in up to five hours by 2030 and three by 2034, and Spanish media reporting a Toledo stop opposite the Luz del Tajo mall that has not yet been formally announced.