Overview
- The blueprint targets 200 km/h-plus links between major nodes, with higher-speed options under review on selected corridors.
- Example journeys would fall to four hours Berlin–Copenhagen, six hours Munich–Rome, and about 4.5 hours Berlin–Vienna via Prague.
- Completing the TEN‑T high-speed network is costed at roughly €345 billion by 2040, rising to about €546–550 billion for much higher speeds by mid‑century.
- Funding would mix national money, private capital and EIB‑backed loans or guarantees, with a new High‑Speed Rail Deal bundling commitments from 2026.
- Implementation rests on member‑state delivery, interoperable systems and more suitable rolling stock, while a 2026 EU ticketing rule and projects like Fehmarnbelt and Rail Baltica are meant to accelerate early wins.