photo: Adif AV / Public domain/Monfragüe Station, Spain; Extremadura High-Speed Rail (HSR)
Spain and Portugal have unveiled plans to build a high-speed rail line between Madrid and Lisbon by 2034. The project will rely heavily on European funding, creating strong competition for Central European countries.
In late October, Spain and Portugal announced an ambitious agreement to begin construction of a high-speed rail link between their capitals, Madrid and Lisbon, as La Moncloa reports. The announcement was made during a meeting in Faro, Portugal, where Spain’s Transport Minister, Óscar Puente, and Portugal’s Infrastructure and Housing Minister, Miguel Pinto Luz, signed a formal agreement. The project, which is set to begin in 2030, is part of the Atlantic corridor of the European TEN-T transport network and is expected to be operational by 2034.
Key Features of the Madrid-Lisbon High-Speed Line
Aside from enhancing bilateral relations, the Madrid-Lisbon high-speed line is also a key piece in the broader European infrastructure puzzle. According to RailTech, the project will help integrate the Iberian Peninsula into Europe’s high-speed rail network, enabling smoother travel across borders. The two ministers also called on France to expedite its own rail projects to ensure full network integration, recognizing that the line’s success depends on its eventual connection to France. "This project marks a new chapter in our cooperation. The high-speed rail link will provide faster and more efficient travel between our capitals, but the true value will come when we extend it to France and beyond," said Pinto Luz.
The Financial Aspects of the Madrid-Lisbon High-Speed Line: Competition for EU Funding
The governments of Spain and Portugal are both keen to secure European funding for high-speed line construction, particularly from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), which finances projects within the TEN-T network. This competition for EU funds, however, will not be limited to the Iberian Peninsula. Central European countries such as the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, and Austria are also preparing major rail projects, and they too will be vying for financial resources to support their initiatives.
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The financial timeline for the Madrid-Lisbon rail link—construction will peak between 2030 and 2034—overlaps with the construction schedules of several other high-speed rail projects in Central Europe, as reported by RailwayPRO. This overlap is expected to lead to intense competition for funding, as multiple countries seek financial support for projects that aim to enhance the European transport network. Óscar Puente stated, "Given the scale of this project, we must ensure that our efforts are aligned with those of our neighbors. Coordinating our timelines will help us strengthen the entire European rail network and increase our chances of securing the necessary funding."
Spain’s Established Leadership in High-Speed Rail
Spain’s expertise in high-speed rail construction gives it a significant advantage. With the largest high-speed rail network in Europe, spanning nearly 4,000 kilometers, Spain has a proven track record of successfully planning, building, and operating high-speed rail systems. In a recent interview, Óscar Puente said, "We are the country with the highest percentage of the population connected by high-speed railways, second only to China in kilometers of high-speed rail." He also addressed the opportunities for Spanish companies in the high-speed rail network construction in the Czech Republic, a country currently developing its own high-speed rail projects.
Just a few months ago, in July 2024, Adif Alta Velocidad, Spain’s national rail operator, announced a EUR 34 million investment to enhance the safety and protection of the high-speed rail network, as RAILTARGET previously reported. The aim is to install protective barriers along tracks and overpasses, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring the safety of both passengers and railway operations.
The agreement between Spain and Portugal ensures coordinated planning and the efficient use of resources. "Our track record in high-speed rail has been key to making this project a reality," Puente noted. "With the combined experience of both countries, we are confident that we can meet the 2034 target for completion."
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Source: La Moncloa; ADIF AV; RAILTARGET