High-speed rail can unite Europe - if Member States step up

The EPP Group welcomes today's proposal by the European Commission to increase investment in high-speed rail and sustainable transport. They are necessary to enhance mobility and keep the European transport network modern and future-proof. 

"Once built, high-speed trains are a great way to connect Europe's cities. It is positive that the European Commission wants to continue supporting expansion and mobilising new investment. We need to invest more in sustainable and fast transport connections if we want to improve mobility in Europe and make the network future-proof. At the same time, this will enable us to further reduce our emissions, promote growth and bring Europe even closer together," says Jens Gieseke MEP, EPP Group’s spokesman for Transport and Tourism.

However, many Member States are already at risk of missing the current, often lower expansion targets in the existing Regulation on Trans-European Transport Networks. 

"We must therefore not ignore the realities: the expansion or construction of new railway infrastructure is enormously expensive and takes an incredible amount of time. This effort is worthwhile, but only if the Member States are fully on board and willing to bear the political and financial risks. Only then can the vision of a proper European high-speed rail network extending beyond Western Europe truly become a reality. We are therefore counting on the political courage and will of the European capitals to join forces with us on this important issue," Gieseke stressed. 

The EPP Group believes that a well-developed transport network is essential for Europe's economic growth and competitiveness. We will work with the European Commission and Council to achieve an ambitious and achievable transport policy that benefits all European citizens and regions.