photo: CER / Public domain/EU Informal Transport Council in Budapest
At the EU Informal Transport Council in Budapest last week, Alberto Mazzola, Executive Director of the Community of European Railway & Infrastructure Companies (CER), called for a European high-speed rail (HSR) master plan.
He emphasized the need to connect all EU capitals and major cities by 2050, giving 60% of citizens access to fast rail travel. This plan, supported by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, could bring EUR 750 billion in societal benefits by 2070.
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Mazzola used China as an example, pointing out its 45,000-kilometer HSR network that has boosted the economy by USD 378 billion and reduced oil dependence. He suggested Europe could follow this model, but noted that expanding the EU’s HSR network would require EUR 550 billion in investment. This would result in 1.5 billion jobs and reduce 5 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions.
"High-speed rail is key to the provision of quality and comfortable rail services, the reduction of oil dependency, and decarbonization. With an HSR network connecting all EU capitals and major cities, rail market share on long-distance traffic will increase above 50% and bring about a true and lasting modal shift. More than 100 million tonnes of CO2 per year could be saved thanks to shifting traffic to HSR from 2025 to 2070; this would have a value of EUR 10 billion/year suitable to finance a very ambitious HSR network of 31,849 km," said Alberto Mazzola.
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He also stressed the need for better funding for rail infrastructure in EU countries, calling for long-term financial plans. Mazzola urged the EU to increase its financial framework, attract private investment, and ensure rail plays a key role in the EU's climate and military mobility strategies.
Source: CER
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