Europe Talks Big on High-Speed Rail—But Can It Deliver?

Europe’s high-speed rail revolution is gaining momentum. As CER leaders push for seamless ticketing, fair taxation, and EU-wide interoperability, the race to build a connected, sustainable, and competitive European HSR network is on—and the European Commission is finally on board.

Senior figures from Europe's rail sector have reiterated the need for urgent, coordinated action to turn the vision of a European high-speed rail (HSR) network into a reality. The call came during the European Commission’s recent Implementation Dialogue on High-Speed Rail, led by the new Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas.

The roundtable included Alberto Mazzola, Executive Director of the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), and top executives from major operators: Gianpiero Strisciuglio (CEO of Trenitalia), Alain Krakovitch (Director of SNCF TGV Intercités), and Anja Schöllmann (Board Member, DB Fernverkehr AG). These industry leaders represented the interests of Europe’s national operators while stressing the strategic importance of HSR for both passengers and the continent’s broader transport future.

High-Speed Rail Seen as Key to Europe’s Green and Competitive Mobility

As European travellers increasingly seek out fast, sustainable alternatives to flying or driving, high-speed rail is emerging as a favoured option for long-distance journeys. CER noted that HSR offers inclusivity, accessibility, and environmental benefits, particularly when integrated with local transport systems.

According to the CER, a well-connected network could allow rail to capture up to 54% of the long-distance travel market by 2070, a shift that would also free up space on conventional lines for freight, regional, and commuter services. The long-term impacts include increased public transport use, reduced road traffic, and stronger social and economic cohesion.

Operators Call for Interoperability, Seamless Ticketing, and Fair Taxation

To deliver a truly European HSR network, CER members stressed the need for better coordination between countries and clear EU support in four key areas:

• Accelerating cross-border interoperability, particularly through widespread deployment of ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System);
• Simplifying ticketing via adoption of the Open Sales and Distribution Model (OSDM);
• Creating a level playing field, by aligning taxation policies across transport modes;
• Ensuring cost efficiency through smart funding frameworks.

Trenitalia’s CEO Gianpiero Strisciuglio pointed out the critical role of ticketing: "To compete with short-haul flights, we need a user-friendly and seamless ticketing experience. Integrating OSDM into EU interoperability standards would reduce costs and improve accessibility."

SNCF TGV Intercités Director Alain Krakovitch mentioned the need for fair taxation: "To realise the High-Speed Masterplan, rail must compete on equal terms with aviation. This includes VAT exemptions for international train tickets, kerosene taxation, and internalising external costs of other modes."

A central theme of the discussion was how to fund the rollout of a high-speed rail network that connects all EU capitals and major cities. CER members are advocating for a sustainable financing strategy combining public investment with private-sector tools such as Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and Regulatory Asset-Based (RAB) models. CER Executive Director Alberto Mazzola stated, "High-speed networks are a cornerstone of sustainable mobility. With the right political choices, our members can deliver commercially viable HSR links across the EU." He pointed to Enrico Letta’s recent report, which argues that a robust high-speed network is essential for strengthening the EU’s competitiveness.

DB Fernverkehr’s Anja Schöllmann emphasised the technical hurdles that must be addressed to unlock the full potential of high-speed rail. "To make the Master Plan a reality, we must speed up certification of new lines, streamline train path allocations, and deploy ERTMS across the network," she said. Her comments reflect ongoing frustration across the industry with fragmented certification processes and limited compatibility of rolling stock on international routes. A harmonised regulatory environment, backed by the European Union Agency for Railways, is seen as essential for enabling cross-border services.

A Vision for 2070—If Europe Acts Now

The message from CER and its members is clear: Europe has a unique opportunity to build an interconnected, climate-resilient high-speed rail system that meets passenger needs and supports the EU’s Green Deal goals. But delivering on this ambition will require coordinated EU action, fair competition rules, and significant public and private investment.

As high-speed rail becomes central to the debate on sustainable mobility, the pressure is on Brussels to ensure that Europe’s railway infrastructure doesn’t fall behind. With clear targets, political backing, and robust financing models, industry leaders believe the EU can meet the challenge—and reshape the future of long-distance travel.

Source: CER